More deaths have occurred by drowning than in car accidents over the past weekend.

With a total count of 52 casualties in water accidents, this has been the most tragic weekend this summer. Police have recorded as many as 395 drowning cases since April.

Swimming under the influence of alcohol, especially at sites unwatched by lifeguards, is the main reason behind the high number of accidents, states Kamila Szala from Warsaw police headquarters.

Another cause of tragedies is bravado, says Szala, underlining that “despite our calls for caution, people are still behaving recklessly at bathing areas. We shouldn’t overestimate our capabilities and we should refrain from showing off our skills as well as diving in uncertain areas.”

The number of fatal water-related incidents is on the rise from year to year, with 468 death recorded in 2009, and over a dozen less the year before. (aba/jb)

Source: IAR

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