Among the risk groups for drowning accidents are men over 65 years of age and boys between 10 and 19 years of age of non-European origin. Of the 103 people who died in drowning accidents in 2025, 82 were men or boys, according to figures from the Swedish Lifesaving Society.
We don't reach them fully. We may have to shape our messages differently. We have long worked on our swimming safety rules, such as not swimming alone and staying close to shore. Despite that, people continue to do exactly the opposite, says Mikael Olausson.
July 2025 deadliest since 2018
During July 2025, 31 people died, the worst month for drownings since 2018. That month featured a heat wave with temperatures two to four degrees above average in northern Norrland.
Warmer weather increases the risk of drowning accidents, according to Mikael Olausson.
We believe the weather is causing more infrequent swimmers to take to the water to cool off, those who are not used to swimming or who haven't swum in a long time.
Twelve of last year's drowning accidents occurred at municipal recreational pools, and more lifeguards are needed to prevent them, says Mikael Olausson.
Millions to increase swimming skills
The Swedish Lifesaving Society has been granted 31 million kronor by the government to increase swimming skills. Mikael Olausson says the organization will continue its work with information, swimming schools and lifesaving training. They have recently received the money and will initially spend it on gathering knowledge and mapping.
We need to better understand the underlying causes of drownings. We are also aware that results in swimming proficiency figures will only come in a few years. However, there will be changes in the public education mission in the near future.
Mikael Olausson says that the preventive work against drowning accidents has been largely successful. Drowning rates are historically low, but since 2010 they have leveled off, and at certain periods have increased.
There are negative trends in society, such as schools failing in their mission when it comes to teaching swimming skills. We also have more target groups in society where people culturally lack swimming skills.
2015: 122
2016: 115
2017: 92
2018: 136
2019: 68
2020: 77
2021: 97
2022: 70
2023: 73
2024: 90
2025: 103
Source: Swedish Lifesaving Society.
