Reservoir currents raise safety concerns after swimmer disappears

ORF reported Monday that the search for a 43-year-old swimmer missing since Saturday night at the Völkermarkt reservoir has been called off. He is presumed to have drowned in the Drau near Kohldorf.

The case has raised questions about swimming in reservoirs, where currents can form or change because of inflows, outflows and power station operations.

How to identify dangerous areas

Particular caution is needed near weirs and power plants. Michael Siter of the Carinthian Water Rescue Service said water flowing through a power plant can act like a slow-moving river, carrying swimmers towards the facility and making it harder to reach the shore.

Dangerous areas may be identifiable from the shore. If a piece of wood thrown into the water quickly drifts away, Siter said, that indicates a strong current and swimming should be avoided.

Rules vary by reservoir

Swimming is not banned at every reservoir. Some allow bathing, while others have bans or restricted areas, so swimmers should always follow the signs.

Swimming is prohibited without exception near power plants, Siter said. Outside those restricted zones, swimming is generally not banned, and people can cool off if they remain close to the shore.

Warnings and bathing bans should always be observed. The operator of each reservoir can provide further information about potential danger zones.