Sad incident in the Rhine: Swimming is also banned in Cologne!

Sad incident in the Rhine: Swimming is also banned in Cologne!

In Cologne there are great concerns about the safety of Rhine swimmers. On August 14, 2025, a family father who had been missing since Monday was found dead in the Rhine. His body was discovered in Voerde on Wednesday evening. This tragic incident has prompted the authorities to once again point out the dangers of swimming in the Rhine, which are caused primarily by strong currents and heavy shipping traffic. As a result, a bathing ban was decided, which has been in force in Düsseldorf since Thursday. The Cologne city council is currently examining the introduction of a similar ban, which would result in far-reaching regulations for the use of the Rhine.

Restrictions on swimming and leisure activities

The ban issued in Düsseldorf affects 53 kilometers of the banks of the Rhine, of which 42.1 kilometers are on the right bank of the Rhine and 8.9 kilometers on the left bank of the Rhine. The planned ban in Cologne would reach even more people, as around 68 kilometers of the Rhine in the city area would be affected. In detail, 40 kilometers on the left bank of the Rhine and 28 kilometers on the right bank of the Rhine are planned. The city warns that violations of the bathing ban could result in fines of up to 1,000 euros. The ban applies not only to swimming, but also to wading, playing or other recreational and sporting activities in the water.

However, there are bright spots for water sports enthusiasts in Cologne: the sports office and the city sports association have made it clear that a possible bathing ban would not affect rowing and canoeing. Events such as the Cologne Triathlon, which is scheduled to take place on September 7th, also remain permitted.

Safety measures and responsibilities

The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) Cologne and the German Underwater Club Cologne are calling for a general ban on swimming in the Rhine. This initiative is preceded by a safety concept that has been used at the DUC's Rhine swimming events since 1962. Participants must wear wetsuits accompanied by trained rescue personnel. These measures are intended to minimize the risk of accidents in the water and protect swimmers as best as possible.

In a broader context, the fate of the missing father shows how urgent these measures are: On Thursday, a new missing person report was received in which a search was carried out for another Rhine swimmer. Here too, the authorities are calling on the public to pay attention. The Rhine, which is a place of relaxation for many, also harbors considerable dangers.

Conclusion: Safety is the top priority

The developments surrounding the bathing ban and the increasing number of incidents on the Rhine underline the need to take preventive measures. The city of Cologne is working on establishing a legally enforceable ban to ensure the safety of all Rhine swimmers. While there is anticipation for the Cologne Triathlon and other approved events, it is essential that all users of the Rhine take the authorities' warnings seriously and act safety-conscious. The Rhine remains a popular but also risky natural body of water.