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Danger to life in the Rhine: Swimmers ignore warnings despite swimming accidents!
High temperatures in Cologne lead to swimming accidents in the Rhine. The city and DLRG warn of the dangers of currents.
Danger to life in the Rhine: Swimmers ignore warnings despite swimming accidents!
The heat wave that is currently gripping the city of Cologne not only brings high temperatures of almost 40 degrees, but also a variety of dangers for bathers. After the Corpus Christi weekend, the number of swimmers in the waters of the Rhineland exploded. How ksta.de reported, there were several swimming accidents, including tragic cases such as the death of a three-year-old boy at Rather See and a 40-year-old man at Silbersee in Leverkusen. The city of Cologne, the fire department and the DLRG warn urgently about the dangers that the Rhine brings with it, especially in heavily frequented bank areas such as Cologne-Rodenkirchen.
Good to know: There is no general ban on swimming in the Rhine. Responsibility lies with the Waterways and Shipping Authority. However, there are restrictions, for example in areas with strong currents, near ships and structures. There is a swimming ban in Cologne city center, including the Rhine promenade in Deutz. Swimmers are welcome in the sandy bays in Rodenkirchen. However, this is seen as problematic by the police as they are often unable to intervene if the dangers are ignored.
Swimming accidents and rescue operations
The unpredictable current of the Rhine can overwhelm even experienced swimmers. Another example and a sobering reality are the warnings that do not seem to reach many bathers. The DLRG has already pointed out several times that dangerous currents and waves from large ships can cause swimmers to stumble 24rhein.de reported. After a rescue operation in Rodenkirchen at the weekend, more swimmers immediately went into the water again, regardless of the existing warnings.
The city of Cologne has issued specific behavioral tips for emergencies in the Rhine: swimmers should swim with the current, shout loudly to attract attention and never jump into the water themselves to help. If someone is in danger, it is important to call 112 and describe the situation precisely. In an emergency, a lifebuoy can also be thrown without putting yourself in immediate danger. This simple but life-saving advice is not always followed.
General warnings and recommendations
The city expressly warns against swimming in many quarry ponds, which are often private and not secured. A tragic example is the death of a 13-year-old girl who drowned in Rather See. In general, swimming in waters in public green spaces such as the Aachener Weiher is prohibited. However, there are designated bathing facilities such as Fühlinger See, Escher See and Vingster Bad, which should also be used at your own risk.
As current information shows, many swimming accidents can be traced back to ignoring bathing rules. The most common causes are health problems, alcohol and overconfidence. Especially with small children, they can drown in a short time, even in small amounts of water. Parents are called upon to be vigilant at all times and not to let their children out of their sight. How br.de explained, swimming aids do not offer reliable protection against drowning.
Those who want to venture into the water should always be prepared and informed: it is important to follow the bathing rules, assess their own physical condition and not make any risky decisions. After all, summer is here, but safety comes first!