Tragedy on Lake Flatschacher: 85-year-old dies after shortness of breath while swimming

Tragedy on Lake Flatschacher: 85-year-old dies after shortness of breath while swimming

Flatschacher See, Feldkirchen, Österreich - A tragic misfortune occurred on June 15, 2025 at Lake Flatchacher in Carinthia. An 85-year-old woman from the Feldkirchen district suddenly suffered breathing difficulties while swimming and could no longer be saved. Around 10.50 a.m., when she was in the water with her husband, she began to call for help. Her husband and a passer -by who could rush from the bank immediately tried to recover her from the water. Despite quickly initiated resuscitation measures, both those present and by the alarmed rescue workers were unsuccessful. Tragically, any help came too late and the senior citizen could no longer be saved, as [meinzirk.at] (https://www.meinbezirk.at/feldkirchen/c-lokales/85-jaehrige-atem complaints_a7382543) reports.

This sad episode was not the only bathing accident that day. Another swimmer also died at the St. Johanner bathing lake. Comprehensive searches with boats and helicopters were in use here, but here too the missing swimmer was recovered dead. The tragic incidents have again focused on swimming security, because such accidents are by no means unusual.

A difficult day for water rescue

15 people from the Feldkirchen water rescue and the volunteer fire brigades Waiern, Feldkirchen and Pritschitz were involved in the rescue measures on Lake Flatschacher. A crisis intervention team was also informed to support both the relatives and the rescue workers who were faced with the consequences of the tragic incident. Ultimately, the emergency services could no longer do anything for the accident, as well as 5min.at.

The German Life Rettungs Society (DLRG) has already published alarming statistics on the risk of drowning. In 2023, the organization recorded 411 fatal accidents in waters in Germany, a worrying increase by 31 deaths compared to the previous year. In Austria, too, the bathing accidents seem to be increasing, which is why the DLRG demands sensitization to the dangers in the water, especially for parents of small children, as on their side dlrg.de.

This tragic incident on Lake Flatschacher makes us remind you of how important it is to be careful while enjoying the warm summer days on the water. Life can be put on the head at a moment and safe behavior could be decisive in these situations. The families and friends of the two deceased people are in our thoughts.