2023-07-23 16:05:31
On the “Day Against Drowning” the Samaritan Union water rescue showed how best to protect yourself from swimming accidents.
Vienna (OTS) – According to a WHO study, 236,000 people drown worldwide every year. In Austria alone, there are 40 to 50 fatal swimming accidents every year. Children are particularly affected, but adults too often underestimate the danger in the water. The Samariterbund Wasserrettung took the International Day Against Drowning as an opportunity to draw attention to the important topic of “safety in the water”!
“Unfortunately, the number of people dying each year from splashing and swimming in open waters and lakes, swimming pools and private pools is consistently high. Only if you the most important bathing rules adheres to, the risk can be minimized. The youngest in particular are most at risk, because children under the age of three drown inconspicuously and without making a sound,” warns Wolfgang Zottl from the Samaritans’ Association for Water Rescue. “It has to be said very clearly that swimming aids such as armbands, vests, cushions or hoops are no substitute for adult supervision. Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children in Austria,” adds Dr. Erik Teumann, Chairman of the Samaritan Water Rescue Association.
Information campaign by the voluntary Samaritans
In order to raise more public awareness of the danger of drowning, the Samariterbund Wasserrettung held numerous events in outdoor pools throughout Austria on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
At several locations between Vienna and Tyrol, volunteer Samaritans explained safety measures and provided information about swimming and rescue swimming courses and swimming tests. In the middle of Vienna – on the Danube Canal at Schwedenplatz – those interested visited the new lifeboat of the Vienna Samaritan Association, they watched rescue exercises and rode in the rescue boat.
“Every tenth child in Austria cannot swim. We appeal to all parents to enable their children to learn to swim,” concludes Wolfgang Zottl.
We would be happy to send you pictures of the event on request!
Questions & contact:
Franziska Springer
Press and Public Relations
Workers’ Samaritan Federation of Austria
Hollergasse 2-6, 1150 Wien
Mobil +43 664 88 94 88 35
Email franziska.springer@samariterbund.net
1690132212
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