Drowning deaths double in Finland this June

Finland recorded 39 drowning deaths by the end of June this year, double the number from the same period in 2025, according to preliminary statistics from the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation.

In the Southwest Finland region alone, five people had drowned by the end of June, exceeding the total of four for all of last year.

Finnish law requires citizens to assist those in distress, including drowning victims. Jukka Rantala, chair and trainer of the federation, said bystanders often hesitate to act, though professional training is not required to save a life.

“When a person goes under, the task becomes far more difficult due to murky water. We’re talking seconds, maybe a few minutes at most,” Rantala said.

He stressed the importance of using flotation devices, such as life rings, which allow even weak swimmers to assist effectively. Rantala also recommended swimming parallel to shore, bringing a companion, or using a swimmer’s buoy—a floatation device worn around the waist that can also store supplies.

Children and the elderly are at highest risk. Petteri Broström, a fire chief with the Southwest Finland Rescue Department, noted that emergency responders typically arrive within 5–6 minutes of an alert. “If no one acts before then, the chances are slim,” he said.

Strong swimming ability is critical for rescues, particularly in open water. By Nordic standards, a competent swimmer must be able to swim 200 meters continuously after entering deep water, including 50 meters on their back. The federation estimates about half of Finns meet this standard.

Broström warned that weak swimmers attempting rescues often become victims themselves. He also emphasized parental responsibility, noting that adults must supervise children at all times, whether at beaches or pools.

World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on July 25. Finland sees over 80 drowning deaths each summer.