Cologne is examining Düsseldorf's bathing ban: Is the Rhine too dangerous?

Cologne is examining Düsseldorf's bathing ban: Is the Rhine too dangerous?

The Cologne city administration is skeptical about the proposal for a general bathing ban in the Rhine. The neighboring city of Düsseldorf has managed to plan such a ban, and Cologne is now examining whether similar measures are possible here too. While swimming in the Cologne city area is prohibited in all public waters, with the exception of designated bathing facilities, the discussion about a general bathing ban is generating a lot of media attention and controversy, which is not only reaching the authorities, but also among the population.

There was another swimming accident in Rodenkirchen on Monday, which has reignited concerns about safety when swimming in the Rhine. Every year, numerous swimming accidents occur along the Rhine, many of which involve tragic drownings. Information from Radio Cologne shows that the city is continuously working to minimize the risks when swimming. What is particularly interesting is that there is already an official ban on swimming in the first part of the Rhine from the old town to Niehl. The city is currently examining whether and to what extent the Düsseldorf model can be transferred to Cologne.

The dangers of the Rhine

The dangers posed by the currents and suction of the Rhine should not be underestimated. According to the DLRG, a general bathing ban could include not only bathing, but also wading and playing in the water. The city emphasizes that violations of such a ban could result in serious fines of up to 1,000 euros. These could even be higher, but the city remains skeptical as to whether the ban will actually have the desired safety effects. City director Andrea Blome emphasizes that people's personal responsibility remains a crucial aspect.

What is particularly alarming is that not only the currents, but also passing ships and sudden fluctuations in the water level can pose a danger. The DLRG urgently warns against attempting to jump into the Rhine to save others and instead recommends calling 112 immediately. In such situations, it is important to clearly communicate the exact description of the location and what is happening so that emergency services can intervene quickly.

Security measures and public awareness

The Cologne regulatory authority responded to a request from the SPD parliamentary group and thus pushed forward the discussion about the possible bathing ban. Even though the city of Düsseldorf has already decided on a general bathing ban, it remains unclear which authority in Cologne would be responsible for a similar ban. The NRW Interior Ministry has made it clear that the decision lies in the hands of the municipalities.

The DLRG Cologne supports the idea of ​​a bathing ban, but also sees the need to educate people about the dangers of swimming in the Rhine. Information about what to do in an emergency is crucial. This means that swimming aids such as lifebuoys or ropes can play an important role in helping people in distress - without putting yourself in danger.

The media coverage of these topics could, on the one hand, lead to warnings about the Rhine, but on the other hand, it could also create a feeling of security that is deceptive. In Cologne, the city administration and the DLRG are required to have a good hand in disseminating information and to sensitize the public to the real dangers.

The debate about a general bathing ban remains exciting and will be a topic of conversation among Cologne citizens for some time to come. One thing is clear: safety comes first, and every individual's life is worth more than a quick jump into the cool water.