The number of drownings in Switzerland was slightly down last year - but still above the historical average.
Fifty-eight died in the water in 2023 – the long-term average is forty-seven.
The figures are from the Swiss Lifesaving Society.
Most of the deaths were young men and children.
Seventeen people aged between 16 and 32 died – all male. It’s thought a higher degree of risk taking is to blame.
Seven children died – four of those under ten. One baby, included in the statistics, died in a bucket of water at the family home.
At the other end of the age spectrum, twelve people over 65 lost their lives. Two of those were trying to save their dog.
Most drownings are in rivers and lakes. There’s a correlation between the number of deaths and hot weather. August last year was quite wet. It’s thought that lowered the annual figure.
The Federal Council says it will not take any immediate retaliatory measures against the United States following the Trump Administration’s decision hit Switzerland with a 31% tax on exports.
In a hard-hitting editorial in the Blick newspaper this morning – it calls Trump an ‘angry old man’ - the paper says the Federal Council has to face the issue of world trade with clarity and courage – but admits it has a tough job ahead.
A Geneva court has thrown out an appeal against the new vehicle tax levied by Geneva which caused shock and surprise at the beginning of the year when many saw their tax bills soar.
US president Donald Trump unveiled a series of tariffs against countries around the world. He says the United States has been ‘looted, robbed and raped’ by friends and foes alike.