The more people in Swiss rivers and lakes, the more accidents are likely.
Anthony Anex
The recent hot weather has increased the number of swimmers and paddle-boarders in Swiss rivers and lakes, and this in turn has brought more work for lifeguards.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jc
A higher number of people in the water tends to bring more accidents, said Marc Audeoud of the Swiss Lifeguards Association. He said river-swimming is particularly dangerous, especially if people go out unprepared.
The association recommends river-swimming only for good swimmers. It also recommends that people always carry a means of flotation that they can cling onto if necessary.
The Swiss Lifeguards Association does not have national figures on the number of rescue operations, as these are collected by its local sections. On Lake Geneva, for example, section president Olivier Durgniat said that last year lifeguards carried out 968 rescue operations and saved 1,577 people. He does not expect the 2022 figures to be much higher.
Durgniat says the most notable change has been the higher number of boats breaking down on the lake. “We don’t have an official explanation, but possibly the higher cost of fuel has made some owners more reluctant to fill up,” he said.
Audeoud and Durgniat both warn against the dangers of night-time swimming, which can be tempting during a heatwave. Rescue operations are harder to carry out at night, and Durgniat warns of winds and possible hypothermia.
“Many people don’t know the winds on the lake,” he said. “On Lake Geneva, if the Bise [cold dry wind] gets up in the evening, it can easily carry you out.”
Popular Stories
More
Swiss oddities
Mennonite movement turns 500 in Zurich, where it all began
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Zurich laboratory finds intestinal bacteria in coffee machines
This content was published on
Last year, the Zurich Cantonal Laboratory found defects in one in four samples of milk drinks from coffee machines. Too many intestinal bacteria were found in a number of samples.
SWISS Belgrade-Zurich flight forced to land in Germany
This content was published on
Swiss flight LX1413 from Belgrade to Zurich had to make an unscheduled landing today in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany.
New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting
This content was published on
A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.
Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has brought charges against a Kosovar on suspicion of being the leader of the Swiss branch of a Kosovar terrorist organisation. He is also suspected of having been active in the management of the organisation in Kosovo.
Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
This content was published on
The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.
Chihuahua leads Swiss rescue team to owner stuck in a crevasse
This content was published on
A Chihuahua helped to rescue a man on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee VS on Friday. It alerted a rescue team to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse.
Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
This content was published on
According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.
This content was published on
The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.