Cologne is facing a bathing ban: does the solution come with bathing cages”?

Cologne is facing a bathing ban: does the solution come with bathing cages”?

In Cologne and the surrounding area, bathing lovers are threatened with a strict ban on the Rhine. How ZDF Reportedly, the city of Düsseldorf is planning a comprehensive bathing ban on the Rhine due to a worrying series of fatal swimming accidents. A spokesman for the city confirmed that preparations are already being made for a regulatory ordinance that will increase safety on the waterfront. The first penalties for non-compliance with the ban could be due as early as August 14th and start at 150 euros.

The bathing situation around the Rhine is not only causing discussions in Düsseldorf. Similar measures are also being considered in Cologne. Torsten Rüdiger Ilg, representative of the Cologne City Society (KSG), speaks out and calls for safe bathing areas on the popular “Cologne Riviera” in Rodenkirchen instead of bans. He emphasizes that a blanket ban on swimming is not only difficult to control, but also anti-citizen. Instead, he suggests setting up controlled bathing zones – similar to the “bathing cages” in Zurich that protect against drifting.

Accident risks and alternative solutions

Ilg highlights the importance of swimming in Rodenkirchen. It is an important place for recreation and leisure activities, and people should continue to have the opportunity to use the Rhine as a natural bathing lake. “As long as bathers follow the rules, there is no reason to ban bathing,” says Ilg. But the security situation on the Rhine remains tense. The DLRG warns of the dangers of cold water and the abuse of alcohol, which can be particularly dangerous for children and inexperienced swimmers.

Residents report risky situations caused by drunken bathers and careless parents. In this context, measures such as fencing off dangerous areas with buoys are discussed to provide guests with a safe environment.

The look into the future

The idea of ​​“ban-free” bathing fun doesn’t just attract critics. Ilg presents to the public an AI-generated image that shows what a “bathing cage” in Cologne could look like - an attempt to find innovative solutions to avoid accidents while ensuring fun in the water. It remains to be seen what decisions the cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf will make to make swimming on the Rhine safer and at the same time counteract the culture of prohibition that often prevails in Germany.

The situation could improve in the coming weeks if creative and safe alternatives are found that do not slow down the fun on the Rhine. The discussion about swimming on the Rhine is far from over, and the people of Cologne will continue to fight for safe solutions.