According to the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) Brandenburg, the falling water levels in lakes and rivers due to the persistent drought pose new dangers for bathers and water sports enthusiasts. Artificial hydraulic structures and groynes, which were once far below the water surface, would now come to light and cause sources of danger, DLRG spokesman Daniel Keip reported to the German Press Agency on Monday. For example, paved headlands, which were once created to increase the flow rate, are not always visible. Also for leisure captains with their boats, but also kayakers and canoeists such places are not always visible. "These are sources of danger that we haven't had before because they were deep enough in the water," explained Keip.
According to Keip, falling water levels also make DLRG operations more difficult. "For us rescuers, the distances to those in need increase. The shallower the waters become, the more difficult it is to use rescue technology," reported the spokesman. Bungalow boats or houseboats, for example, which are often on the water during the holiday season, would get stuck. The use of the DLRG and the fire brigade to tow them free increased, Keip described. In case of doubt, those affected would have to wait a long time before they were released.
According to the DLRG spokesman, aquatic plants, which are currently booming in lakes when temperatures are warm, should not be underestimated. In the event of contact, for example with waterweed or water grass, not everyone who swims reacts calmly. For some, this leads to a stressful situation that can degenerate into panic. According to Keip, swimming accidents are often the result. "Many Brandenburgers who are familiar with their bathing water now find it different when the water level is low. All of the danger and low points are suddenly somewhere else."
Ten people drowned while bathing in Brandenburg by the end of July this year, according to an interim report by the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) at the beginning of August. In the previous year there had been twelve bathing deaths in the same period. Keip did not rule out that the number of fatal accidents in bathing lakes could increase. "The season is not over yet."
