Water rescue advises to plan tours with SUPs
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With the hot weather, the number of swimming accidents also increases. The Salzburg water rescue service therefore calls for particular caution and precise tour planning when stand-up paddling.
The popular boards are a leisure trend and have been for several years. However, the athletes should do a few things before a tour, says Markus Gewolf from the Salzburg water rescue service: “When planning stand-up paddle tours, it is important to observe the weather forecast and not start a tour when there is a risk of storms. It is also important to check where you can stand up paddle boarding. On rivers, for example, it is not allowed everywhere in the state of Salzburg, for example on the Salzach.
Pay special attention to children
Drowning is the leading cause of fatal accidents in children under the age of five, and the second leading cause in older children. Therefore, according to the water rescue service, it is important never to let the children into the water unsupervised: “In recent years, children’s swimming courses could only be offered to a limited extent because of the CoV pandemic. Parents should never take their eyes off children who are not yet confident swimmers.”
Tips for First Responders
If a swimming accident happens, the water rescue service can be reached at 144. But there are also a few tips for first-aiders: They should never swim to the casualty without rescue equipment, such as an air mattress. In the event of an accident in the river, never jump in without thinking, but pay attention to the water temperature and the current beforehand.