Five moments from the Burgenstock summit that got people talking

Vienna's Alte Donau became the scene of two tragic drownings on Sunday, highlighting the dangers of recreational water activities even with available rescue services. In separate incidents, a 39-year-old man and a 23-year-old man lost their lives in the popular recreational area.

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Children must always be within arm's and sight's reach.

The first incident occurred around 3:50 p.m. near Gänsehäufel when the 39-year-old swimmer got into distress and disappeared beneath the water. His wife alerted emergency services, and divers from the Vienna Professional Fire Brigade recovered him from a depth of approximately three meters. Despite extensive emergency medical care provided by the Vienna Professional Rescue, his life could not be saved. His family received support from the acute care team.

Just a few hours later, around 6:55 p.m., the second tragedy unfolded. A 23-year-old man fell from a party boat into the Alte Donau, pulling another person with him. While the second individual managed to return to the boat, the young man submerged. Divers again recovered him about an hour later, but a doctor pronounced him dead at the scene. Friends and relatives of the victim were also attended to by the acute care team.

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If the victim is still conscious, rescuers also run the risk of being pulled underwater themselves.

In response to these fatalities, authorities are reiterating crucial water safety advice. Experts recommend swimming lessons for both children and adults, adherence to swimming rules, and avoiding swimming alone or while impaired. They stressed that children, especially toddlers, must never be left unsupervised and should always be within arm's and sight's reach, as they can drown silently and quickly. For those witnessing an accident, rescuers without specialized equipment are warned against underestimating the risk of exhaustion and being pulled under by a distressed victim. Promptly calling for help and administering CPR, starting with rescue breaths if no breathing is detected after five breaths, are critical first steps.

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If there are no signs of life after five breaths, chest compressions should also be started.