This year, 14 people have died in water accidents. This is one-third less than last year. Alcohol is the main cause of drownings.
Most of the victims have been men. Their average age is 64 years. Half of the drownings involved alcohol intoxication or suspicion of intoxication. Some drowned while fishing, others fell into the water. In some cases, it is unknown what they were doing before drowning.
Lifeguards have seen many intoxicated people. They have handed out many glasses and assisted visitors with their pets. There have been 689 intoxicated beachgoers. Lifeguards have provided first aid 179 times.
Lifeguards have rescued eight people from drowning. No drowning deaths have occurred in their monitored beaches. The Emajõgi River has been a dangerous spot due to strong currents.
Lifeguards have helped reunite over 30 lost children with their parents. Most of these cases occurred at Pärnu beach.
Water accidents are often related to floating devices, such as boats and SUP boards. It is important to wear life jackets and be cautious. Some people have been saved because they received help quickly.
The Rescue Board and lifeguards do not know why the number of drownings has decreased. It could be due to bad weather or better behavior.