New Year's Torchlight Swimming: Traditional spectacle in Ebensee!

New Year's Torchlight Swimming: Traditional spectacle in Ebensee!

On January 1, 2025, the traditional “New Year’s Torchlight Swim” of the Austrian Water Rescue Ebensee branch took place in Ebensee. A total of 29 courageous water rescuers from five different Upper Austria water rescue locations took part in this exciting spectacle. Despite the cool water temperature of 4.1°C, participants swam down the Traun with torches in hand, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. The “Jungschützenmusik” created a festive atmosphere with homely music at the so-called “Trüfobankerl”. Visitors were provided with warm drinks during the event, and the event was a complete success thanks to the generosity of the community of Ebensee, which actively supported the water rescue service. Part of the net profit could be used to purchase new rescue equipment, which increased safety in the region, as meinbezirk.at reported.

The commitment of water rescue

The Austrian Water Rescue, with around 550 active members in 23 local offices in Upper Austria, is a non-profit aid organization that is dedicated to protecting against drownings and plays a key role in disaster control, as ooe.owr.at describes in detail. These volunteers can be alerted around the clock via the state warning center and not only offer security services at the most beautiful bathing lakes, but also extensive training for children and adults. Through seminars and practical events, they promote awareness of water hazards and offer courses to increase the population's swimming ability.

With special boats and trained divers and whitewater rescuers, water rescue guarantees a quick and efficient response in emergency situations, which is often necessary at cultural or sporting events. This commitment is also reflected in the organization of youth camps, which teach the young members values ​​such as helpfulness and team spirit and promote their sporting skills.