Restrictions on Swimming in the Rhine: 'Dangerous Water Conditions'
In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the city of Düsseldorf has been grappling with a concerning issue - multiple drowning incidents in the Rhine this year. The latest victims include a 32-year-old man, a 19-year-old, and a six-year-old child.
According to Meichsner of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG), many of these tragic deaths have occurred in large rivers like the Rhine. The DLRG Düsseldorf has voiced its support for a ban on swimming in the Rhine, a measure that could potentially prevent a significant number of such incidents.
However, legal difficulties arise due to the Rhine being a federal waterway. Despite these challenges, the city of Düsseldorf is pressing ahead, planning to impose a general ban on swimming in the Rhine. The ordinance for this ban is currently in the works.
If enacted, the ban would likely be accompanied by a fine, similar to fines for public urination (150 euros plus fees). The DLRG could also call on law enforcement agencies in case of violations. The ban is not just necessary within Düsseldorf's city limits but also at other locations such as Kehl, Baden-Württemberg.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia's interior ministry has confirmed that the city of Düsseldorf can act independently to impose the ban. The DLRG spokesperson, Meichsner, emphasizes that the Rhine is a dangerous body of water with strong currents.
The ban is expected to have a significant deterrent effect, according to Meichsner. Keller, also from the DLRG, seeks federal support for a bathing ban on the entire Rhine, highlighting the federal government's responsibility for the federal waterway.
It's worth noting that while swimming in the Rhine is allowed in some cities like Basel, where official events such as the Rhine Swimming on August 12, 2025, are organized with safety rules in place, the situation in Düsseldorf remains uncertain. For the most current and local rules for swimming in the Rhine at Düsseldorf, it would be advisable to consult Düsseldorf city official sources or local emergency services for updated regulations and safety advice.
In other parts of Europe, cities like Berlin and Paris have successfully reinstated river swimming after cleaning up their waterways and implementing safety measures. Berlin, for instance, has maintained a ban on river swimming in the Spree since 1925 due to water pollution, though there are discussions about potentially lifting this ban after recent water quality improvements.
In 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia had 57 drowning deaths, ranking it second among German states, behind Bavaria and ahead of Baden-Württemberg. With the Rhine claiming several victims already this year, the call for action is growing louder in Düsseldorf.
As the city moves forward with its plans, it's crucial to prioritize safety and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect swimmers and prevent further tragedies. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
[1] Berlin river swimming ban may be lifted [2] Basel Rhine Swimming 2025 [3] Swimming in the Rhine: A Dangerous Misconception [4] Parisians return to the Seine for a summer swim [5] Copenhagen's harbour baths: A summer hotspot
- In light of the increasing number of drowning incidents in the Rhine, the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) calls for a ban on swimming in the Rhine, extending the proposed restriction to locations such as Kehl, Baden-Württemberg, as a potential preventative measure to reduce the number of tragic deaths.
- Although Berlin has maintained a ban on river swimming in the Spree since 1925 due to water pollution, there are discussions about potentially lifting this ban after recent water quality improvements, following the successful reinstatement of river swimming in cities like Paris and Copenhagen.
- As Düsseldorf moves forward with its plans to impose a swimming ban in the Rhine, it is essential to prioritize safety and ensure appropriate measures are in place, particularly considering the dangerous nature of the Rhine with strong currents and the city's high number of drowning incidents in recent years.
