Nine drownings this summer in Estonia, mostly men over 50 under influence
Nine people have drowned in Estonia this summer, with most victims being men over 50 who were under the influence of alcohol. No women have drowned.
Estonia's Rescue Board reports nine drowning deaths this summer, with nearly all victims being men over the age of 50, many of whom had consumed alcohol. No women have drowned this season.
According to Kristina Eesmets, Head of Prevention Services at the Rescue Board, men tend to be more reckless and overestimate their abilities. In Estonia, men account for almost 90% of drowning victims.
Last year, over 60% of drowning victims were intoxicated, some with blood alcohol levels exceeding 2.5 per mille. "It is very difficult for a person to survive in the water with that level of intoxication," Eesmets added.
This summer, there have been instances where adults swam too far past the buoys and required rescue. The Rescue Board has also responded three times to searches for people missing while using stand-up paddle boards. Three cases of children going missing at the beach were recorded; all were found and none were in danger of drowning.
The Rescue Board has carried out 11 rescues from drowning this year. Most drownings occur in inland waters such as lakes, rivers, and bodies of water near homes, including ditches. So far this summer, one person has drowned in the sea.
Eesmets advises stopping an intoxicated person from swimming if possible; if not, emergency services should be called.
Spring this year was more tragic than summer, as several fishermen drowned in March after venturing onto ice during unstable weather. Rescue Board data shows seven drowning deaths in March.
