Water rescue service reports 60 percent rise in missions in Carinthia

Austria’s ORF reported that the Carinthian water rescue service carried out 535 operations by the end of August, 60 percent more than during the same period last year.

Markus Bräuhaupt, a member of the organisation’s board, described the season as demanding. Favourable weather brought more people to the lakes, while storms and severe weather arrived more quickly. The service responded to 48 storms and rescued 151 people from acute danger.

Nine of the swimming accidents attended by the service ended in fatalities. Bräuhaupt attributed the deaths to overestimating abilities or medical emergencies. He urged adults to follow swimming safety rules, cool down before entering the water and avoid swimming alone or use a safety buoy.

More than 40 lifeguard courses were held across Carinthia, training new members. The state currently has about 1,400 lifeguards. High fuel prices are putting financial pressure on the organisation, but donations and grants from the state of Carinthia have secured its funding, Bräuhaupt said.