Six people have already died in drowning accidents in Sweden by May. The Swedish Lifesaving Society has been granted 31 million kronor by the government to increase swimming proficiency among risk groups.
Of the 103 people who died in drowning accidents in 2025, 82 were men or boys. Risk groups include men over 65 and boys aged 10 to 19 with non-European backgrounds.
Secretary General Mikael Olausson says major societal structures must change. He notes that schools are failing in swimming education and that more groups lack swimming skills culturally.
The Swedish Lifesaving Society will use the funds for information, swimming schools and lifeguard training. However, results in swimming proficiency figures are expected only in a few years.
