With the onset of summer, it’s difficult to resist the call to swim. But the activity is not without risk. In Geneva, the firefighters are on the alert: in just one week, five people have died from drowning, most of them in the Rhone and the lake. The firefighters remember some rules.
The number of interventions in natural surroundings is particularly high. “The drownings that have just occurred show that people are increasingly enjoying going to the river, but they really have to reckon with the dangers,” warned Lieutenant Nicolas Millot, spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Service (SIS) in the 7:30 p.m
In order to prevent new tragedies, the Geneva firefighters carry out important preventive work on the waterways. But unlike swimming pools, there is no lifeguard patrolling every body of water. It is everyone’s responsibility.
lifebuoys
Seven buoys have been installed on the banks of the Rhône. In the event of an emergency, they have a number that allows firefighters to locate the place to intervene.
These floats also directly save lives. A few days ago, a teenager who was in big trouble in the river was saved thanks to one of those buoys launched by other swimmers.
>> Also read again: Given the success of swimming in the Rhône, Geneva is betting on prevention
Precautions to be taken
But before you get there, precautions can be taken. “In any case, the good gesture when swimming in white water is never to swim alone and to be accompanied,” explains Nicolas Millot, who also advises “wearing a life jacket”.
“And if you don’t have a vest, at least you have something to support the physical exertion and a means of communication to be able to call for help at any time,” he adds.
“Don’t try to swim against the current”
Another piece of wise advice, this time from a swimmer: “If you’re feeling a little stressed, go with the flow and don’t try to swim against the current because it’s more tiring than anything else,” she recommends. .
In conclusion, the firefighters remind that one should not drink alcohol before bathing.
TV subject: Guillaume Martinez
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