Fatal bathing accident: 62-year-old drowns in the Schothtteich near St. Pölten

Fatal bathing accident: 62-year-old drowns in the Schothtteich near St. Pölten

Stollhofen, Österreich - On May 31, 2025, a tragic bathing accident occurred in Lower Austria. A 62-year-old man drowned in a gravel pond in Stollhofen, in the St. Pölten district. Eyewitnesses reported that the man went down in the middle of the pond, which resulted in the immediate alarm of the emergency services. A large contingent of the fire brigade, water rescue, rescue service, police, two diving groups and a drone unit was sent to the site.

The divers of the Austrian water rescue finally found the man under water and rose it. Unfortunately, only the man's death could be determined. The exact circumstances that led to this accident are still unclear and are currently being examined. According to information from noe.orf.at the man was recovered dead from the Schotherteich in Stamberg, but there is no Details on the exact circumstances of the incident.

bathing accidents and their dangers

This tragic incident throws a light on the dangers of bathing in unusual waters. The DLRG points out that 411 fatal accidents in waters in Germany were already recorded in 2023. This means an increase of 31 deaths compared to the previous year and represents the third increase in the drowned number in a row. For many people, bathing in open water is a widespread leisure activity, but the risks are often underestimated.

The DLRG President Ute Vogt expresses the hope that with the beginning of the warm season, more people will be sensitized to the dangers. Parents of small children in particular should be made aware of the risks that can arise from unpleasant waters. A look at the subsequent numbers shows the serious consequences of disregard for security measures.

The current events in Lower Austria once again illustrate the need for precautionary measures and a responsible approach to bathing in freely waters. Further information on the topic is at dlrg.de