Germany and Austria roll out water‑safety campaigns with swim buoys and drowning‑prevention events

In the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, the Wasserwacht launched a safety campaign after a fatal drowning at Schwaltenweiher. The initiative promotes an inflatable swim buoy that is worn with a hip belt, increasing visibility and providing buoyancy for a brief rest. The buoys are available on loan at all local rescue stations for a small deposit, and volunteers stress that they do not replace life jackets and that swimmers should never go alone.

In Austria, the Samariterbund organized a two‑day action week around the International Day of Drowning (July 25‑26). The program includes rescue demonstrations, boat rides, first‑aid training and child‑focused activities in several cities. Organizers note that 35‑42 people drown each year in Austria and that the World Health Organization lists child water accidents as the second leading cause of death worldwide. The campaign aims to educate the public that “knowledge helps and saves lives.”