Lifeguard chief explains how to act in a drowning incident

Fewer people drowned in June 2026 than in June 2025, preliminary figures from the Swedish Life-Saving Society show.

Eight drowning deaths were recorded last month, compared with 14 in June 2025, according to the society’s provisional data.

Sofia Karlborg, operations chief for lifeguards in Tylösand, said drowning incidents often appear less dramatic than they are because much of the struggle happens below the surface.

“The person slips under the surface slowly, almost unnoticed,” she said.

Karlborg cited heat and overconfidence as common contributing factors, noting that fatigue from sun exposure and lack of recent swimming practice increase risk.

She urged bystanders to call emergency services immediately and to reach the victim using a flotation aid such as a life ring or improvised device like a towel or jacket.

“Always keep something between yourself and the person in distress,” she said. “Otherwise you risk being pulled under as well.”

Men aged 45 and older are overrepresented in drowning statistics, Karlborg said, often because they swim alone and take greater risks.