86 people died in drowning accidents in 2019

The number of drowning accidents decreased by 16 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018, according to  figures from the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue.

In 2018, 102 people died in drowning accidents in 2018. The figure was 86 last year.

‘’A decline of 16 per cent is very gratifying. But in order to get closer to a zero casualty rate, we must intensify the drowning prevention work in the years to come,” said the Society’s General- Secretary Rikke Lind.

Although the number of drowning deaths in connection with swimming decreased from 18 to 9 from 2018 to 2019, last year’s figures were still above the average for the last ten years.

Drowning in connection with swimming and falling from land or jetty are the types of accidents with the greatest decline, the rescue society’s figures show. Compared to 2018, seven more drowned last year after falling from a recreational boat, including kayaking and canoeing.

All of last year’s drowning accidents happened outdoors. 55 per cent drowned in the sea, 35 per cent in lakes or ponds and 9 per cent in rivers. One accident happened in a private paddling pool.

Four children died in swimming accidents in 2019, and 85 percent of those who died in drowning last year were men and 15 percent were women. 62 percent were over 40 years old.

Most were drownings in Rogaland, with a total of 14. Eleven drowned in Nordland, 9 in Trøndelag and 8 in Møre og Romsdal. Oppland was the only county with zero drowning deaths.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today