On Wednesday evening, an elderly man drowned at the Mänttä swimming hall after submerging in the water. According to Jari Ahvenjärvi, the head of the sports services in the Mänttä-Vilppula area, there were three staff members present at the time of the incident, including a trained lifeguard. Reports indicate that the lifeguard jumped into the pool and retrieved the unconscious man, and attempts at resuscitation were made for nearly half an hour, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after 6 PM.

Ahvenjärvi noted that in addition to the swimming hall staff, a bystander who was swimming also provided assistance during the rescue efforts. This bystander turned out to be a healthcare professional and was able to contribute to the efforts made to save the man. The incident is currently under investigation as a death inquiry, with the situation being confirmed by the police of Central Finland.

The drowning has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place at public swimming facilities and has led to calls for a review of emergency response measures. As investigations proceed, it is likely that the findings will influence future practices to ensure the safety of swimmers and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.