Tragic bathing accident: two dead within hours at St. Johann See!

Tragic bathing accident: two dead within hours at St. Johann See!

Bade­see in St. Johann/Rosental, Österreich - on June 15, 2025, at 7.30 a.m., a tragic situation was reported at the bathing lake in St. Johann/Rosental. The lifeguard found personal items, including clothing, cash and a car key, which immediately led to an search. Numerous emergency services were immediately mobilized, including fire brigades from St. Johann/Rosental, Feistritz/Rosental, Kirschentheuer, Ferlach, Keutschach, Waidmannsdorf, Krumpendorf, Pritschitz and the Klagenfurt professional fire brigade. A total of around 80 comrades with 15 vehicles, 4 boats and 7 operational divers took part in the campaign.

The water rescue was also present with 7 vehicles and 28 forces, including 9 divers 9. The emergency services received support from a police helicopter and a drone. Unfortunately, a 60-year-old man from Klagenfurt was already missing the evening before, and this morning the forces found a lifeless person at a depth of around 6-7 meters at around 11.20 a.m. The cause of death was determined on drowning.

drown as a serious problem

The situation in St. Johann/Rosental reflects an increasing problem. According to the DLRG, 411 fatal accidents in water were recorded in Germany in 2023. This represents an increase of 31 deaths compared to the previous year and is the third increase in the number of drowners in a row. For the first time since 2019, there are more than 400 victims. DLRG President Ute Vogt expressed hope that people will be sensitized to the dangers of the upcoming warm season.

The DLRG plans to point out the special dangers in the water in particular. An important aspect of avoiding such tragedies is early and comprehensive training in swimming. Swimming badges are purchased that occupy knowledge and skills in the water. Badge such as bronze, silver and gold are crucial because they ensure a safe swimming, while the early swimmer badge (seahorse) is only a first time.

: a vital ability

The meaning of early water security cannot be emphasized enough. The DLRG recommends that thorough water habituation should take place before purchasing the swimming badges. Although the seahorse is a first step towards swimming, children should continue to be supervised with this badge, as it is not proof of safe swimming. The swimming badges bronze, silver and gold, on the other hand, prove safe swimming capacity, regardless of the age of the swimmer.

The tragic events on the bathing lake and the increasing drowning accidents illustrate urgency to promote both the swimming skills and to increase awareness of the dangers in and on the water. Responsible handling of water can save lives, both for children and for adults.

For further information on deaths from drowning in Germany and measures for safety in the water, see the reports on click Kärnten , dlrg and dlrg swimming badge .