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Rescue operation on the Rhine: Swimmers safe, dangers remain!
Large fire brigade in Bonn responds to an emergency call: two swimmers found in the Rhine. Water safety recommendations.
Rescue operation on the Rhine: Swimmers safe, dangers remain!
On June 15, 2025, a large-scale rescue operation on the Rhine took place in Bonn after witnesses reported two people swimming north of the middle Rhine bridge at around 4:15 p.m. Loud Express An extensive contingent of 50 emergency services was mobilized. The Bonn fire department, the Niederkassel fire department and the DLRG Bonn were on site, supported by the rescue helicopter Christoph Rheinland. The Beuel Volunteer Fire Department's firefighting unit assisted on the difficult-to-access right bank of the Rhine.
Fortunately, the two swimmers were found safely at the Roman crane on the left bank of the Rhine, which is why the operation was canceled. Shortly afterwards, however, there was another alarm when a stand-up paddler got out of the water on his own. The Bonn fire department took the opportunity to make an important appeal to the public: Swimming and water sports in the Rhine are life-threatening. If you are unsure about people in the water, you should call the emergency number 112 immediately.
The dangers of the Rhine
The dangers of the Rhine should not be underestimated. Last year, more than 20 people drowned in rivers in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the DLRG recorded a large proportion of the tragic incidents in the Rhine. Fatal swimming accidents occurred in cities such as Düsseldorf, Cologne and Duisburg, among others. A cautionary tale occurred in May when a man drowned while trying to save his wife, who was swept away by the strong current. While such incidents can always happen, rescue exercises, some of which were held by the Düsseldorf fire department, among others, make it clear how crucial education and practical exercises are.
As part of these exercises, a helpless person was located in the Rhine by current rescuers who came to help with a motorboat. Divers jumped into the water and carried out rescue operations. This practical event shows how vital it is to respond correctly to swimming accidents. Swimming in the Rhine is only permitted in certain places; In addition to harbor entrances, bridges and locks, extreme caution should always be exercised at permitted bathing areas.
Strong awareness needed
The DLRG recorded an alarming increase of 411 fatal accidents in waters in Germany in 2023. This sends a clear message and shows that raising awareness of the dangers of water is more urgent than ever. DLRG President Ute Vogt expressed the hope that parents of small children in particular will be made particularly aware of the warm days ahead.
The fire department has therefore taken a number of measures, including putting up 50 new warning signs on the banks of the Rhine, warning of the dangers of swimming in flowing water and providing emergency and location numbers. Swimming in the Rhine remains a challenge, and only a sensitive approach can prevent accidents or even worse.