A chilly start to this year's summer has meant fewer drownings in June and July. A total of 79 people drowned in Finland during the first half of the year, or one more than the same period last year, according to the Finnish Association for Swimming Instruction and Life Saving. However, 33 more people have died in the first half of this year than two years ago. Several people drowned this spring after slipping through thin ice caused by the unusually warm weather. In June, 18 people drowned -- or eight fewer than in June 2007. This year, 18 people drowned in water-borne traffic accidents while 16 people died while swimming. A total of 33 people died after falling through thin ice. Sixty-nine victims were men -- ten were women. The association says boaters should remember to use lifejackets: as many as 80 percent of boaters who drown would have survived had they been sporting a life vest. The group adds that children should be supervised while swimming, and adults should not overestimate their own swimming skills. YLE
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