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Pointless jump: Man in underpants triggers rescue mission in Heidelberg!
A 50-year-old man jumped off a bridge in Heidelberg, triggering an extensive rescue operation. He had to face consequences.
Pointless jump: Man in underpants triggers rescue mission in Heidelberg!
Last Friday afternoon, a 50-year-old man caused a stir in Heidelberg when he jumped off the Ernst Walz Bridge. Wearing only a pair of pants, he wanted to impress his son with this courageous jump. But it quickly became clear that the whole thing was not without consequences. An attentive driver observed the incident and immediately alerted the rescue control center, which set off a major operation. The police were quickly on the scene and responded with several patrol cars and a police boat. An ambulance and the water rescue train from the Heidelberg professional fire department were also sent to provide support so that they could intervene quickly in the event of problems.
The water police's investigation revealed that the man took this risky jump in a place where swimming and jumping are prohibited. “[wsa-neckar] points out that swimming in the Neckar near bridges, weirs and locks is closed due to ship traffic and currents,” explains the local water management association. It's not just the safety of the swimmers that is at risk, as freight ships only have an extremely limited field of vision, which is around 200 meters. Ships need several hundred meters to brake in time, which makes the situation even more difficult for swimmers.
Increased attention in midsummer
The high summer temperatures entice many people to swim in the Neckar. Air and water temperatures literally invite you to cool off somewhere. But caution and a certain amount of respect are required here, because the Neckar is a busy waterway with large ships and fast pleasure boats. Swimming is strictly prohibited in many areas, especially near bridges and locks. Regular violations of these bathing bans not only pose a danger to those affected, but also endanger shipping.
During their operation, the water police made it clear that swimming and jumping in such areas is not only punishable by fines, but can also lead to dangerous situations. In the event of an accident, the person responsible could also pay for the costs of the police operation. It remains to be seen whether the courageous jumper will continue to remain unrepentant in his enthusiasm for the risky jump.
Risk management in water
According to [srf], swimming in rivers and lakes is generally risky, even for experienced swimmers. Jumping into cold water can cause cardiovascular problems and muscle cramps. It is therefore recommended that at least two people go into the water and use swimming aids such as buoys. Parents in particular should make sure to supervise their children in the water and warn them of possible dangers.
An interesting statistic indicates that around 16,000 people have accidents while doing water sports in Switzerland every year, with the majority of those affected being male. This willingness to take risks, often exacerbated by alcohol and drug consumption, is a serious issue that should not be viewed differently in Germany.
In summary, the Neckar certainly offers opportunities for recreation and leisure activities, but responsible use of the weather and water is essential. Above all, anyone who wants to venture into the cool water should take the existing rules and warnings seriously and pay attention to their own safety.