Full rivers after rainfall - caution is now advised at the water's edge

After the heavy rainfall of recent weeks, some Swiss rivers and lakes are currently carrying a lot of water. This poses additional dangers for swimmers - especially now that the weather is improving and many are looking to cool off outdoors.

Flowing waters, greater risks

While more accidents happen in lakes overall, the consequences in rivers and streams are often more serious. Anyone who underestimates the current or depth puts themselves in danger. A wrong step on wet stones or a slip on the embankment or gravel can be enough to cause a serious fall.

Men particularly affected

Men have more accidents than women. They account for almost two thirds of accidents in and around water. The accident figures also show that around half of men who have an accident on or in the water are between 25 and 44 years old. One reason for this could be that men take more risks at this age - for example when doing water sports or jumping into the water.

Summer months most accident-prone

Over 4000 people* have accidents every year in and on Swiss lakes, rivers and streams during leisure activities. Accidents are particularly frequent in the summer months of July and August - some of them are fatal. On average, around ten people die in accidents in and on rivers and lakes every year, almost half of them in July and August. This means that there is one death related to leisure activities in the water about every two weeks in summer.

Tips for prevention

Suva recommends the SLRG (Swiss Life Saving Association) bathing rules:

• Only allow children in the water under supervision - keep small children close at hand!

• Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs! Never swim on a full or completely empty stomach.

• Never jump into the water overheated! - The body needs time to adapt.

• Do not jump into murky or unknown waters! - The unknown can be dangerous.

• Air mattresses and buoyancy aids do not belong in deep water! - They do not offer any safety.

• Never swim long distances alone! - Even the best-trained body can suffer a weakness.

Source: Suva