Nicosia: Deaths by drowning in the European Union decreased by 4% in 2022, with Cyprus being one of the countries recording the lowest number of such fatalities, as reported by Eurostat on Tuesday. The reduction in drowning incidents comes as beaches and pools remain popular during the summer months, presenting a persistent risk for these types of accidents.
According to Cyprus News Agency, there were 4,810 deaths by drowning and submersion in the EU in 2022, which is 194 fewer than in 2021. This marks a 3.9% decrease in such fatalities. Furthermore, the proportion of drowning and submersion deaths among all accidental deaths also decreased from 3.1% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2022, the lowest share recorded since data collection began in 2011.
In 2022, France reported the highest number of drowning and submersion deaths with 784 cases, accounting for 16.3% of all drowning fatalities in the EU. It was followed by Germany with 542 cases, Poland with 535, Romania with 472, and Spain with 449. In contrast, the countries with the lowest numbers included Luxembourg with one death, Malta with three, Cyprus with 13, and Slovenia with 25.
Drowning incidents were significantly more common among men compared to women across all EU countries in 2022. In Slovenia, however, the difference between male and female drowning deaths was less pronounced, with 14 men and 11 women affected. In Luxembourg, the sole drowning victim was male.