– It has been a really good season, where the lifeguards have been busy most days and managed to talk to thousands of bathers about bathing safety.
– Despite the many bathing days this year, we are not close to the number of serious rescue operations last year, and we are naturally happy about that, says program manager at TrygFonden, René Højer.
Last year, there were 34 actions involving people in danger of death. In 2018, when we had a historically hot summer, the number was 52.
In total, there were 61,410 efforts this summer in the period from 25 June to 18 August.
This includes 1693 first aid operations, where the lifeguards provided help in connection with, for example, wounds and injuries.
Coastal lifeguards can feel that in recent years more Danes have come on the water on paddleboards and various types of surfboards.
– They are – like the bathers – surprised by offshore winds. So the lifeguards have had a number of rescues of bathers in reef holes and people on bathing animals and boards that have been driven off the coast, says coastal lifeguard manager Anders Myrhøj.
Although the lifeguards have now packed up and left their posts, there may be more good bathing days ahead.
Therefore, the lifesaving service has good advice:
– There are still good opportunities to swim and use the water for other activities for a while yet, and there are now also many who continue all year round and winter baths.
– We always encourage you to swim or sail out with others, so you can keep an eye on each other, says Anders Myrhøj.