65-year-old dies in swimming accident in Lake Wörth near Reifnitz

Reifnitz as a Summer Hotspot

Reifnitz is located on the eastern shore of Lake Wörth, approximately 15 kilometers from Klagenfurt, and is one of the heavily frequented bathing spots in Carinthia. On hot summer days like Saturday, numerous swimmers are out there, which is why water rescue operations are not uncommon.

The Klagenfurt professional fire department is one of the main actors in water rescues in the greater Klagenfurt area and is regularly called out for operations around Lake Wörth. Neighboring communities such as Velden, Pritschitz, and Ferlach also maintain their own rescue structures that are deployed as needed.

The authorities initially provided no further information regarding the victim's health condition prior to the accident and whether other swimmers witnessed the incident. The investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

Investigations into the Cause of the Accident

The exact background – such as the water depth, possible health problems of the man, or indications of a jump into the water – is the subject of the ongoing investigations. A final statement from the executive is only to be expected after the investigations have been completed.

Travelers and residents were asked to avoid the area around the accident site over a wide radius so as not to impede the ongoing rescue and recovery operations. How long the operation on Saturday lasted was not officially quantified.

Lake Wörth as a Tourism Magnet

Lake Wörth is the largest lake in Carinthia and is considered one of Austria's most important tourism destinations. During peak season, it attracts thousands of visitors daily, which is why safety on and in the water remains a central task for the regional emergency services.

The incident was quickly shared on social media on Saturday, including via a TV live stream. According to APA, Marco Kaltenbacher is among the journalists who reported on the operation. Regional media and the daily newspaper in Carinthia also picked up on the incident in a timely manner.

The Klagenfurt-Land police inspection and the Klagenfurt public prosecutor's office will, according to usual procedure, deal with the case. Whether third-party fault can be ruled out will be shown by the final investigations. An autopsy report on the cause of death was requested according to APA information.

The recovery of the body took place on Saturday. The exact procedures – from recovery through transport to handover to the authorities – were not published in detail for investigative tactical reasons.