Five people died in swimming accidents in Ticino lakes this summer. Three people in rivers. A person in the swimming pool. This is communicated by the Ticino department of institutions.
On average over the past ten years, five people have died in swimming accidents each year, the department wrote. With nine fatal swimming accidents, the summer of 2021 clearly exceeded this figure.
No canyoning dead
There were no fatal accidents while canyoning last summer, the department continues. This was despite the fact that numerous representatives of this sport had visited the southern canton in the end of the year.
Under the catchphrase “Acque sicure”, the Ticino department of institutions uses numerous channels to draw attention to the dangers of bathing in rivers and lakes.
Authorities warn of dangers
Among other things, there has been a Facebook page since this year, but prevention campaigns have also been presented on digital displays in buses, according to the communiqué. Corresponding spots were also shown regularly on the radio in the summer months.
The Ticino canton police also pointed out the dangers of bathing in Ticino waters on Instagram and Facebook. In July and August, patrol boats were at the most dangerous points of Verzasca and Maggia, the press release said. There is also a telephone hotline for canyoning enthusiasts.
Due to the pandemic, more guests from Switzerland, but also Ticino residents, spent their holidays in the southern canton, the Department of Institutions continues. For this reason, the prevention campaigns were spread particularly frequently and on numerous channels. (SDA)