Under the holidays, at least three people have lost their lives in drowning accidents.
Two men in their 40s in Nacka and one man in his 55s outside of Växjö.
The heatwave at the beginning of summer attracts many to bathing areas to cool off. But sometimes a dip can have devastating consequences.
Mikael Olausson says there are several warning signs. Early signals can be lone bathers, adults with children, or people swimming straight out.
Sometimes people talk about drownings occurring in silence.
If you see someone drowning, you should shout for help, call 112, and get a flotation device to get the person to the surface.
You can also prevent it before jumping into the water.
He also says it's important to go through the rules that apply before the visit and who is responsible for what. Also, check what equipment is available at the bathing area.
At the same time, he doesn't want people to avoid bathing – quite the opposite.
• Test your swimming ability.
• Always swim together with other adults who are also good swimmers.
• Always swim close to and with small children who are not good swimmers.
• Go for a swim close to the shore or piers.
• Remember that the water is cold at the beginning of the season.
• Cold and rough water takes more energy than you think.
• Always wear a life jacket when boating on the water.
• Early alarm to 112 can be life-saving in the event of a drowning incident.
• In the event that you need to rescue a person in the water, make sure to always have a flotation device with you.
Source: Swedish Rescue Society
