Summer Pentecost: Caution When First Diving In - What the DLRG Advises

As the Pentecost holiday weekend brings summery temperatures to Germany, the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) issues a crucial safety advisory, as reported by dpa and featured in Die Zeit. While the prospect of cooling off in lakes and rivers is appealing with temperatures soaring to around 30 degrees Celsius, the DLRG emphasizes that the water itself remains dangerously cold, often between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius.

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Of course, we are looking forward to the new season, but this anticipation is somewhat dampened by the fact that the water is still so cold.

Michael Hohmann, President of DLRG Hessen, expressed the organization's mixed feelings: excitement for the new bathing season tempered by concern over the cold water. He highlighted the severe risk of circulatory shock, which can occur when a person jumps into water significantly colder than their body temperature without prior acclimatization. This danger is particularly acute at the start of the bathing season, leading to potentially fatal outcomes, especially for the elderly, but also posing a threat to younger, healthy individuals. The presence of alcohol further exacerbates this risk.

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The outdoor temperature will be very warm or even hot this weekend, but in many swimming lakes, we still have water temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees. And if you simply jump into water that is excessively cold, it can be fatal.

The DLRG's advice extends beyond just pre-cooling. They strongly recommend swimming only in supervised areas, refraining from entering the water during thunderstorms, and exercising caution to avoid overexertion. Hohmann pointed to statistics indicating that men are disproportionately represented among drowning victims, often due to recklessness. Parents are reminded of their non-delegable duty to supervise their children closely. The DLRG also suggests this time of year is a good opportunity to refresh swimming skills and certifications.

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Statistics show that it is predominantly men who drown; they are often particularly overconfident and reckless.

Adding a somber note, the DLRG reported an increase in drowning incidents in Hessian waters in 2025, with 19 fatalities compared to 12 in 2024. Nationally, however, the number of drowning deaths decreased slightly year-on-year. This data underscores the ongoing importance of the DLRG's safety campaigns as Germans embrace the warmer weather, reminding everyone that enjoying the water safely requires vigilance and respect for its inherent dangers.

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We always say: You are the supervisor for your child. You cannot hand over responsibility at the entrance of the outdoor pool or at the entrance to the swimming lake.