Over fifty drowned in Amsterdam’s scenic canals

AMSTERDAM - Visitors to the Dutch capital may have wondered about the lack of barriers along the city’s canals. Does no one ever fall into the water? They do! In fact, new statistics have revealed that over the past three years at least 50 people, mostly men, drowned in the canals when they were unable to get out of the water. Among other reasons, it appears that the safety lines which are supposed to be hanging from the quays frequently get snatched by thieves or vandals. Safety experts have urged the municipality to install more emergency stairs along the canals and the return of lifebuoys. Only one of the victims met with foul play.