Swimming in Bavaria's rivers: Dangers and tips for safe relaxation!

Swimming in Bavaria's rivers: Dangers and tips for safe relaxation!

It's summertime and for many people that means plunging into the refreshing waters of the local rivers. But the joy of swimming also entails dangers that should not be underestimated. Swimming in rivers can be tempting, but it is often forbidden in certain areas. Currents, which are often not visible at first glance, and obstacles such as weirs are particularly dangerous. This is shown by the latest reports from Antenne.de, which issue urgent warnings.

In Bavaria there are numerous river baths that invite you to linger with infrastructure such as sunbathing areas and toilets. However, there is often an entrance fee, which can be well worth it for a relaxing day on the water. One example is the Bamberg Hainbadestelle on the Regnitz, which looks back on 90 years of history and was renovated in 2018. Up to 2,000 visitors come here every day. But other river baths, such as the Naab near Nittendorf, the Valentinsbad in Regenstauf or the Ramspau river bath, are also hot spots for summer relaxation.

The dark side of bathing fun

But there is also tragic news. This year alone, several people have died while swimming, including a 20-year-old in Regensburg and a 17-year-old in Lower Franconia. The DLRG warns that the majority of fatal drowning accidents occurred in unguarded natural waters. In the first half of 2024, the DLRG registered 253 drowning victims, an increase of 16 percent compared to the previous year. A shocking 92 deaths occurred in rivers - the highest risk.

The dangers are varied. The pull of shipping traffic and unpredictable currents in particular pose a high risk. These problems are devastating not only for swimmers, but also for experienced people. In addition, the hygienic situation in rivers can change quickly, especially after rainfall. Parents are asked to actively look after their children. DLRG President Ute Vogt emphasized that it is crucial to respect the use of water and pay attention to your own safety.

What matters

Swimming in water is not just a question of location. The timing also plays a role. Parents should not only supervise their young children, but also actively guide them in order to avoid accidents in supposedly safe, shallow waters. Particularly alarming is the fact that men over the age of 50 are more likely to drown than average, often due to physical weakness. Children under the age of ten also often drown in unsupervised moments.

Given these circumstances, it is advisable to only swim in officially designated and, at best, monitored swimming areas. On the Isar in Munich, for example, there are designated bathing areas and two guard stations that ensure greater safety. What should be highlighted positively is the water quality of the Isar, which is usually fine, except after heavy rain or during floods.

The DLRG has a lot of educational work to do, and it remains to be seen whether people will be sensitized in order to reduce the number of swimming accidents. This summer it is particularly important to have a good knack for choosing a seaside resort and to respect your own boundaries.