One asylum seeker drowned when playing rowboat in central Finland

The ability of refugees to recognize the dangers of leisure boating came into focus in Finland on Friday, as details of a rowboat accident issued by the police indicated an asylum seeker had drowned a day earlier.

Police inspector Jarmo Hakkarainen told local newspaper Keskisuomalainen that a group of men were playing in a rowboat when the accident happened. It capsized and the men on board fell into lake Korttajarvi in Jyvaskyla, central southern Finland. All except one were able to reach the shore.

According to the local rescue service, there were six to ten people involved. It was not clear whether all the persons were asylum seekers.

The director of the Puuppola Reception Centre Elina Hienola confirmed that the deceased man had lived in the center. He was an adult and had relatives living in the same center.

A spokesman for the Finnish Red Cross said the dangers of water sports had been emphasized when the asylum seekers were given advice beforehand.

Several reception centres are located close to water in central Finland. Red Cross said many asylum seekers can't swim.

Finnish law does not require that life wests should be on board in rowboats. There is no requirement to wear life vests even in bigger boats, but life vests must be available in motor boats and sailing boats. Endit