The water rescuers were no longer able to help eight people: including a child who was swept away by the current near Bruck an der Glocknerstraße (Pinzgau) in the Salzach. The search for the missing four-year-old was probably also the mentally most difficult mission for the water rescuers in 2021. After the accident, the helpers were on duty every day for about a week and were ultimately only able to save the boy dead.

A cliff jumping accident on Lake Wolfgang (Flachgau) also called for the rescuers – a 25-year-old jumped from a height of 40 meters from the left part of the Falkensteinwand into the lake and sank. During a major search, divers found him at a depth of 60 meters.

More operations due to storms

The many storm operations were also demanding, but the water rescuers were also on duty on the test roads, says Markus Gehwolf from the Austrian Water Rescue Service, Salzburg State Association. Compared to 2020, there were 40 percent more cases. “In Oberpinzgau alone, our forces in Krimml and Mittersill were on duty for over a week, because our local offices partially supported the test roads in the communities and that of course has an effect on the statistics.”

Water savers feel the trend towards adventure sports

The trend towards exercise in nature is also reflected in the number of deployments – stand-up paddling and canyoning are becoming increasingly popular, and the hype surrounding wild swimming can also be felt. “Especially now in Corona times with distance rules and the upper limits in the public pools, many have a cozy spot by a river or lake.”

Gehwolf expects that the deployment balance will be similar this year. He appeals to everyone to be careful when swimming and doing sports.