Serious and even fatal accidents occur time and again, usually due to carelessness or ignorance. Last year, at least 378 people drowned in Germany. That is 23 more deaths than in 2022, as the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) announced in Hanover on Thursday (22 February). "This is the first time in four years that we have recorded an increase in fatal accidents in the water," said DLRG President Ute Vogt. In North Rhine-Westphalia alone,
47 people drowned last year. (Source: DLRG) Press release from the DLRG on the topic
A large number of these accidents could have been avoided. The North Rhine-Westphalia water police therefore provide some tips and advice on how to prevent accidents.
The Rhine has life-threatening currents!
The general legal situation
The general cautionary advice certainly applies to all bodies of water, but the specific advice from the water police relates specifically to navigable waters in NRW, our police area of responsibility.
These are the rivers Rhine, Weser, Ems and Ruhr as well as the artificial waterways of the North German canal system (Rhine-Herne Canal, Wesel-Datteln Canal, Datteln-Hamm Canal, Mittelland Canal and Dortmund-Ems Canal), the Rhine-Kleve waterway and the Osnabrück and Ibbenbüren branch canals.
Rivers
While bathing in rivers is generally permitted, there are far-reaching restrictions in the form of general bathing bans. For example, bathing is not permitted within 100 meters in front of and behind harbour entrances, other entrances and exits and structures such as bridges, weirs and landing stages.
In addition, bathing bans apply to the Rhine in areas where special regulations apply, including for the mooring of ships.
Regardless of this, bathing accidents occur time and again in areas where commercial shipping is in operation - often, unfortunately, with fatal outcomes. Especially when swimming in the Rhine, people often underestimate the current conditions and overestimate their own abilities. The Rhine flows at a current speed of 3 to 12 km/h, depending on the water level and location. You often only notice this when you are caught up in the current. Can you swim that fast? You won't make it back to shore against the current! Another factor that is often underestimated is the wake and waves caused by passing ships. Dangerous situations occur time and again, even in knee-deep water and on supposedly safe shore areas between the cribs (structures perpendicular to the shore). This suction and wave impact can be so strong that even adults can be pulled into the current - even if the boat is over 100 meters away.
Artificial waterways
In general, it should be noted that artificial waterways are primarily used for shipping traffic. Bathing in canals is therefore an unauthorized use of the waterway and is not permitted. This unauthorized act generally means that there is no insurance cover, which means that the swimmer is liable for their own and other people's damage and injuries. If the water police determine that the swimmer or other persons involved are at risk, the swimmer will be expelled from the water and must expect to receive a warning or be reported to the police.
This is regularly the case when people jump into the water from bridges, swim towards ships from the water or even enter them. Unlawfully entering a ship is generally punishable as trespassing!
In addition, bathing in artificial waterways can be life-threatening. Objects floating in the water or insufficient water depth can endanger bridge jumpers. Ships in motion can pull bathers under water or even into the propeller due to their suction. This applies not only to swimmers who are reckless enough to swim towards a ship underway, but to all bathers. The bow and stern waves can push bathers against sheet piling or stone embankments, causing serious injury. Incidentally, cargo ships are often more than 100 meters long. The skippers are therefore unable to recognize bathers in time. It is almost impossible to avoid them.
Press release from the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration on the subject of the ban on swimming and bathing in rivers and canals:
