Sunday, 5th October 2008

Austrian woman critical

A 50-year-old Austrian woman is in a critical condition after getting into difficulties while swimming at St George's Bay.

The woman was brought to shore and administered first aid before she was taken to Mater Dei Hospital. Police are investigating.

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Comments

Stephan Piazza (on 5/10/08)

Dear Charles, this year I swam till the 3rd week of september, and yes there were nearly 50 foreign sun bathers but very few swimmers. and i swim in Sliema not in ghar lapsi(which is a beautiful spot but not as popular among tourists as sliema is).
With this i wish you good nigth!!!

James A. Tyrrell (on 5/10/08)

I understand what you are saying here Stephan but Charles has a very valid point. Whilst the sea probably feels cold to you it has to be remembered that tourists will still find it more than warm enough for their needs. Indeed I will be over in about three weeks and looking forward to spending some time at my favourite spot Hondoq Bay on Gozo.

Charles Micallef (on 5/10/08)

@Mr Piazza,

I go swimmimg in the sea (weather permitting) till middle November, and if you come across to Qawra, you will find there are a good number of swimmers in the sea till late November admittedly most are of foreign origin (Tourists) , so I have not just put my foot in the water! The sea water is actually warmer than a pool!

Also last Wednesday afternoon I passed by St George's Bay during the middle of the afternoon and there must have been a 100 people and half of them where swimming, this can be confirmed by anyone who was in the area at the time !

I can also assure you that most major Tourist's destinations in the Med., do keep their swimming facilties open well after the end of season' major storm occurs!

That is what's known as providing a service!

Stephan Piazza (on 5/10/08)

Dear Charles, it's not worth paying a lifeguard for few and occasional swimmers in such daily-changing weather days with tax-payers money. Plus if you employ a lifeguard in one beach you have to do so all across malta. And there are many beaches... Did you put your foot in the sea? Well I can assure it's not warm at all...
How do you expect to close beaches to public, you build a wall by the sea-shore?

Charles Micallef (on 5/10/08)

@Stephan Piazza

But, if the beach is open to the public, and people are still swimming, what difference does it make if it is June to September , October or November? The sea tempretures in Oct & Nov are still the same as the outside air tempreture!

Is the beach open for business or not?

thank you dear !

Stephan Piazza (on 5/10/08)

no dear, lifeguards are on duty from June to September. Why not in October too? Because it's not summer... and usually people don't go to the beach in autumn.... obviously.

Charles Micallef (on 5/10/08)

This is the second of such incidents, with the first lady losing her life,
are there not to be lifeguards on duty at St George's Bay?