Fewer people drowned this August than in any previous August since 2000, according to new figures from the Finnish Swimming, Teaching and Lifesaving Association (Finnish acronym SUH). The figures, collected from media reports about drowning, show that 10 people drowned in August.
"It could be that the colder than usual air and water temperatures contributed to the smaller number of drowning, as waterways and their surroundings were less attractive than usual," said SUH Managing Director Kristiina Heinonen in a press release.
Last year 22 people drowned in August, and 119 between January and August. This year ten people lost their lives in the water in August, with 75 drowning between January and August.
The majority of those who drowned were middle-aged or older men.
There were however more drowning in swimming pools and hot tubs this year, with four already reported so far. There are usually one or two a year, according to Heinonen.
