Swimming accident in quarry: 17-year-old seriously injured while cliff diving

Swimming accident in quarry: 17-year-old seriously injured while cliff diving

It's summer time again and many are drawn to the beautiful natural lakes and quarries in the area. But it is important to exercise caution because cliff jumping can be life-threatening. There is currently news of a serious accident in Demitz-Thumitz, where a 17-year-old landed on his back while jumping from a ten-meter-high cliff. He had to be taken to hospital in a rescue helicopter. Luckily he was treated in time, but this incident shows how risky such adventures can be. The Saxon newspaper makes it clear that serious accidents during cliff jumping are not just limited to the quarries in the Bautzen district.

It becomes particularly explosive when you look at incidents from the recent past. In August 2023, a 22-year-old man tried to set a world record in the Königshain quarries. He jumped from a height of around 30 meters and performed a spectacular quadruple somersault. Tragically, he was so seriously injured when he hit the surface of the water that he had to be treated by an emergency doctor and a helicopter. Bild.de reports that friends rushed to his aid and brought him to shore on a stand-up paddleboard. At that time, swimming was strictly forbidden in these areas.

Risks of injury from cliff jumping

The risks of injury when cliff jumping are enormous. According to a recent study, when people jump from great heights, they are not designed to survive the high speeds of diving into water unscathed. Researchers warn that water is about 1,000 times more dense than air, which leads to enormous compressive forces. In his study, lead investigator Sunghwan Jung discusses the dangers and compares human immersion to the behavior of animals such as birds and dolphins, which are much better adapted to such situations. Deutschlandfunk highlights that the maximum recommended height for a head-first jump is eight meters and for a feet-first jump up to 15 meters.

Many adventure seekers don't know that dangers lurk under water such as rock slabs and brittle edges, especially in quarries like the Königshainer. Mayor Maik Wobst has confirmed that swimming and cliff jumping are strictly prohibited in these areas, but unfortunately many visitors ignore the warnings. There are repeated reports of wildly parked cars and fires in forbidden places. Most recently, a swastika was spray-painted on a quarry wall, alarming local authorities.

Alternative bathing destinations

Police recommend staying away from the dangerous quarries and instead choosing official bathing establishments and safe swimming at patrolled lakes. The clay shafts near Niesky, for example, which are equipped with campsites and sanitary facilities, offer an excellent alternative for a relaxing day at the beach. On July 26th, the Tonschacht association will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a children's party.

Nature attracts many of them, but especially in the hot months you should always keep your own safety in mind and at the same time pay attention to the regulations of the authorities. Because the fun ends quickly when life and health are at stake.