Amsterdam canals: 51 drownings over the past three years

DutchAmsterdam.nl — Over the past three years 51 people have drowned in the canals of Amsterdam.

Local daily De Telegraaf says only one of those casualties occurred as the result of a crime.

The other 50 drownings were ruled accidents. The vast majority of them involved men, most of whom were drunk when they fell in while relieving themselves.

Once someone has fallen into the water it is difficult to get out — even if the unlucky person is not inebriated.

The newspaper says one reason is that many of the lifelines have been stolen.

An expert calls for the return of lifebuoys and an increase in the number of ladders.

Swimming not recommended

Amsterdam has 165 canals — with a combined length of 100 KM (60 Miles).

While revelers sometimes jump in of their own accord swimming in the canals — while not illegal — is discouraged.

For one thing, there is there quite a lot of boat traffic on most canals.

For another, those who’d like to swim a few rounds should realize that currently less than half of Amsterdam’s houseboats are connected to the city’s sewer system.

People rescued from the canals are always strongly encouraged to get a tetanus shot.

That said, the ambition of Waternet — the Water Company in Amsterdam and surroundings — is to someday have the canal water of Amsterdam clean enough for people to swim in.

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