The 24-year-old Wodonga man had been doing laps at the city’s Sports and Leisure Centre on Friday afternoon. 

He was pulled from the water abut 5.40pm and was not breathing. 

A defibrillator was used to revive the man before paramedics performed CPR. 

The man was taken to Albury Hospital and remains in a critical condition. 

It followed a similar incident at Harrietville a week earlier. 

Amy Bullas, aged 18-months-old, was found in the Ovens River and had to be revived before being flown to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. 

A toddler was also found floating face-up, fully clothed, in a backyard pool at Everton late last month. 

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said Friday's incident showed the importance of having defibrillation devices. 

“It was good work prior to the paramedics arriving,” he said. 

“He was pulled from the water, bystanders started CPR and then the defibrillator was used. 

“They continued to work until the paramedics arrived.”

Albury Border Rescue Squad captain Stuart Dye said the incident highlighted the need for people to be cautious around water, especially as the weather warms up. 

“If something like that can happen in a controlled environment, it shows you how dangerous the Murray River or Hume Weir can be,” he said. 

“You always have to look out for your mates.”

Alcohol is a major cause of drownings and Mr Dye said children needed to be within arm's reach. 

Mr Dye said people should never swim alone. 

“Never hesitate to call for help,” he said. 

“People should enjoy the river, respect it and be careful.”

Statistics show 271 people drowned in Australia last financial year.