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Swimmers in Bonn: Life-threatening rescue operation on the Rhine!
Water rescue in Bonn: Swimmers in danger of death in the Rhine. The fire brigade and DLRG warn about the dangers of swimming.
Swimmers in Bonn: Life-threatening rescue operation on the Rhine!
On Sunday evening, June 22, 2025, the Rhine in Bonn became the scene of a dramatic water rescue operation. Shortly after 7 p.m., a concerned caller alerted emergency services when he spotted swimmers in the middle of the Rhine stream desperately trying to reach the bank. [Express].
Despite the hectic search and the remarkable efforts of over 50 firefighters from Bonn, Königswinter, Bad Honnef and DLRG Bonn, no one could be found in the water after around an hour. The swimmers saved themselves and left the Rhine unharmed in the area of the Rheinhotel Dreesen. But this incident is a potent warning signal, as it highlights the dangers that the Rhine poses for swimmers. The Rhine is a major federal waterway with massive shipping traffic, which can make swimming and bathing life-threatening.
The dangers of the Rhine
The dangers posed by the Rhine should not be underestimated. According to WDR, over 20 people drowned in North Rhine-Westphalia rivers last year, with the Rhine accounting for the majority of these tragic incidents. What remains worrying is that the fatal swimming accidents took place in cities such as Düsseldorf, Cologne and Duisburg. A particularly tragic case occurred in May when a man drowned while trying to save his wife, who was swept away by the current.
In order to raise awareness among the population about the risks, the Düsseldorf fire department carried out a rescue exercise on the banks of the Rhine. In this scenario, a helpless person was reported and the current rescuers immediately sent a motorboat to the swimmer. It was shown how quickly and effectively help can be provided. Fire brigade spokesman Vieten emphasized the importance of such exercises to educate people about the dangers of the Rhine and the critical behavioral tips for swimming accidents, such as not jumping into the current yourself.
Statistics and awareness
The situation is alarming because the DLRG recorded an increase in fatal accidents in German waters to at least 411 in 2023, which means 31 more deaths than in the previous year. The responsible president, Ute Vogt, hopes that these numbers will make people more aware of the upcoming warm season. The DLRG plans to make parents of young children in particular aware of the special dangers that can arise from swimming in waters such as the Rhine.
All in all, it can be said that the fire department's warning and the DLRG's initiatives are important steps to raise awareness of the dangers of the Rhine. Bathing and swimming are only safe in specially marked places, but the vigilance of swimmers and their companions remains crucial to their own safety.