Rescue Board: Most of Last Year's Drowning Victims Were Intoxicated
30 people drowned in Estonia last year, more than half had consumed alcohol. Rescuers urge friends and family to intervene if someone intoxicated goes near water.
Estonia's Rescue Board reports that water accidents become more frequent during hot weather, with intoxicated people remaining the primary concern. Last year, 30 people drowned in Estonia, and over half had consumed alcohol. The average blood alcohol level of intoxicated drowning victims was 2.57 promille, indicating severe intoxication. Prevention expert Kristina Eesmets notes that alcohol impairs judgment and physical ability, leading victims to overestimate their swimming skills, swim too far from shore, and fail to feel cold water, which can quickly cause hypothermia. Water entering the airways can trigger laryngeal spasms, preventing breathing. Eesmets encourages bystanders to have the courage to stop a drunk person from entering the water and to call emergency services if needed.
In recent years, rescuers have also seen more incidents involving paddleboards, air mattresses, and other small flotation devices. People often neglect life jackets or safety leashes that keep the board close. Overestimating skills and ignoring wind and currents are common mistakes. Offshore wind is especially dangerous as it quickly carries a board away. Eesmets recommends always carrying a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof bag when on the water and swimming only at supervised beaches. Unfamiliar spots and fast-flowing rivers pose hidden dangers, as calm-looking water may hide strong currents.
Beyond water safety, the Rescue Board is concerned about a sharp rise in wildfires. By the end of May, 590 grass and forest fires had been recorded, about 250 more than at the same time last year. Most are caused by human activity, such as burning dry grass, which is banned year-round in Estonia, and unattended campfires. Battery-powered devices, especially electric scooters, cause about 40 fires annually. Eesmets advises against trying to extinguish a battery fire yourself: if it pops and smokes, leave the building, close the door, and call emergency services. To prevent such fires, charge devices under supervision, use original chargers, avoid direct sunlight or hot cars, and dispose of swollen or damaged batteries.
