Drowning deaths fall as rescue divers race against the clock
Monday 10th August 2026 on 06:15 in
Sweden
Sweden has recorded half as many drowning deaths so far this year as during the same period in 2025, SVT reports. A preliminary compilation by the Swedish Life Saving Society shows that 37 people have died in drowning incidents this year, compared with 71 by the corresponding point last year.
July is usually the month with the most drowning incidents. In July 2025, 31 people died. This year, the figure fell to 15.
“We should remember that every death is a tragedy for the relatives. But statistically, this is still a positive development,” said Mikael Olausson, secretary-general of the Swedish Life Saving Society.
Olausson said it was too early to establish the exact reason for the decline, and that the figures would need to be analysed in more detail. However, the statistics show a connection with warmer weather. A peak in incidents occurred in mid-July 2026, when a persistent area of high pressure affected Sweden, he said.
Men and older people account for most drowning deaths. The incidents occur in different locations, although swimming areas are among the most common.
Many of those who die are also swimming alone. The Swedish Life Saving Society is trying to counter that pattern by urging people to always swim with others.
Firefighters with specialist diving skills are stationed at 15 locations across Sweden. They search for and rescue people who have disappeared beneath the surface, diving throughout the year and in all weather conditions with equipment weighing more than 30 kilograms.
Rescue diver Alexander Oxendal said his fire station receives around 100 to 150 diving alarms each year. The calls can involve drownings at quays, boating accidents, people trapped in ice holes or people who have jumped from bridges.
From the moment an alarm is received, the divers have a maximum of 90 seconds before they must be on their way. Once in the vehicle, they gather as much information as possible.
“The most important thing is to reach the surface as quickly as possible. For the person who has gone missing, it is a matter of seconds,” Oxendal said.