Summer water rescue drills held in Kaunas Reservoir

Joint emergency response exercises took place in the Kaunas Reservoir, involving firefighters, paramedics, soldiers, and beach lifeguards, LRT reports.

The drills focused on rescuing drowning victims. According to specialists, June, the start of the summer season, sees the highest number of water-related accidents. Common mistakes by swimmers include overestimating their strength while swimming too far from shore and leaving children unattended.

In one scenario, a boat carrying tourists capsized after being hit by a white squall, with waves reaching 1.5 meters. Emergency services received a report that nine people were drowning in the reservoir. Firefighters responded immediately, deploying boats, catamarans, jet skis, and a helicopter. Within minutes, the first rescued individuals were brought to shore, while divers searched for a missing person.

Firefighters, paramedics, lifeguards, police officers, and soldiers participated in the drills. The military was called in when not all drowning victims could be reached by water, requiring a helicopter.

Edvardas Čepulionis, a specialist from the Kaunas Fire and Rescue Directorate, noted that coordinating actions across four dimensions—underwater, in the air, on the water, and on shore—requires significant skill.

Lifeguards emphasized the importance of both physical and psychological preparedness, as well as quick reaction and proper equipment. Paulius Stankevičius, head of Kauno lifeguards, suggested that more specialized rescue equipment, such as boats, inflatable rafts, and jet skis, could be beneficial.

Last weekend, two people, including a minor, drowned in Lithuanian water bodies. Lifeguards report that June typically has the most incidents.

Common mistakes by swimmers include consuming alcohol, not wearing life jackets on watercraft, overestimating their abilities, and leaving children unsupervised. Čepulionis warned that a child can drown in an instant, so supervisors must stay within arm’s reach.

When calling for help, specialists advise first looking for lifeguards on duty. Andrius Raguckas, an emergency medical specialist, said: “You should first inform the lifeguards if there is a post, and only then call 112, as lifeguards can provide help much faster than the fire and rescue service or other services.”

Medics also warn that a critical mistake after rescuing a drowning person is waiting for medical personnel to arrive instead of starting resuscitation immediately. Over 100 people drown in Lithuanian water bodies annually.