Wesseling examines ban on swimming in the Rhine after fatal accidents!

Wesseling examines ban on swimming in the Rhine after fatal accidents!

This week the Rhine once again became the scene of tragic events. The Cologne fire department had to go on rescue missions three times, one of which took a dramatic turn: a missing swimmer was found dead 110 kilometers downstream from the Rhine. The fire brigade urgently reminded people of the dangers of the Rhine, which is considered to be particularly risky - due to currents, ship traffic and hidden whirlpools. Despite an aerial operation, another swimmer, who was also reported missing, could not be found. The already delicate situation took on a serious dimension.

The city administration of Wesseling has then begun to examine a possible bathing ban for its section of the Rhine. This is no coincidence, as Düsseldorf banned swimming in the Rhine by ordinance on August 14, 2025. The people of Wesseling now want to enter into discussions with neighboring municipalities in order to find a uniform regulation. The existing absolute ban on swimming in the Wesseling section of the Rhine through a federal regulation already makes it clear that those responsible are playing it safe.

Dangers and warnings

The Wesseling fire department not only warns about the dangers in the middle of the river. The bank area also poses risks about which the population must be informed. Two signs on the banks of Wesseling already point out the existing bathing ban. The municipal security service also takes action and asks people to leave the water during checks. In the event of a further bathing ban, the fine could be between 5 and 1,000 euros.

The reaction of political actors to the situation is divided. While the FDP Wesseling is clearly against a bathing ban and is instead focusing on personal responsibility and better information, the CDU, SPD and Green factions have not yet issued a clear statement. The FDP is also calling for multilingual information boards at entry points to inform foreign visitors about the dangers.

The background to the bathing ban

The reason for the strict measures is the number of swimming accidents, which has increased significantly in recent years. Together with the dangers posed by the currents and the intensive shipping traffic in the Rhine, this has led to the current situation. The fire brigade and administration are once again urgently appealing to the population not to enter the Rhine. The incidents are a stark reminder that, despite its beauty, the Rhine also poses a serious danger.

Overall, it is a difficult balancing act between the need for leisure activities and the protection of human lives. The discussion about the bathing ban will certainly continue in the coming weeks if those responsible want to take possible measures and find solutions that take everyone involved into account.