2 Die In Separate Austin Drowning Incidents

AUSTIN, TX — Two people died in separate drowning incidents in Austin that occurred within an hour of each other Thursday evening, medics said.

In the first incident just after 5:45 p.m., Austin-Travis County EMS medics were dispateched to 89 Congress Avenue at Lady Bird Lake near East Cesar Chavez Street amid reports of a swimmer who had submerged under water without resurfacing.

Rescuers were able to locate the adult victim who had been pulled out of the water by bystanders. Medics administered cardiopulmonary rescucitation efforts that ultimately proved futile, and the swimmer was later ponounced dead at the scene.

.About an hour later, medics were called to Waller Creek near East 6th and Sabine streets, and initially were able to regain a pulse on the victim. However, the person was ultimately pronounced dead just after 8 p.m.

The gender and ages of the drowing victims was not specified. Medics provided no further details.

The drownings came on the same day Austin City Council members wondered aloud during their regular meeting if Barton Springs Pool should be temporarily closed amid the new coronvirus pandemic. Despite repeated calls from health officials for residents to practice physical distancing as a tactic of mitigating illness spread, reports have emerged of mass gatherings at the site in violation of municipal orders. No action was taken on the idea of closing the pool during the council meeting.