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Hundreds saved from drowning this year

Lifeguards were called out 341 times during the summer season. A total of 290 people in distress were rescued, according to the Professional Association of Lifeguards (VMSZ).

This summer, the lifeguards provided watch services at more than 50 locations. A total of 370 employees took part in the season’s beach operations. They worked 6,575 duty days of 10-12 hours a day and treated 3,500 people with minor injuries. In 50 cases, they rescued equipment, lifted overturned or sunken sailing boats or towed vessels with technical defects into harbours. In 114 cases, special rescue units had to intervene, in 48 cases lifeboats, in 65 cases ambulances, to care for people in distress.

The VMSZ organised major events such as the Balaton Swim, the Balaton Row or the ‘Blue Ribbon’ sailing race. As part of the prevention programme, life jacket stands were set up on two other beaches on Lake Balaton, and lectures on accident prevention and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training were held at 23 locations. For the safety of beach visitors, 85 life ring signs were installed. Following the organisation of nine lifeguard courses, 111 new lifeguards joined the service. The VMSZ’s goal of making Lake Balaton the safest lake in Europe remains unchanged.

 

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