Hero on the water: Jet ski driver saves unconscious swimmer in the Rhine

Hero on the water: Jet ski driver saves unconscious swimmer in the Rhine

Yesterday, June 25, 2025, the fire department in Neuss-Uedesheim was alerted to a swimming accident on the Rhine at 5:41 p.m. The operation was triggered by passers-by who saw a person in the water and a jet ski. But when the emergency services arrived, it quickly became clear that the jet ski had not capsized. Rather, the driver of the jet ski, a real lifesaver, had secured an unconscious swimmer who had previously gone into the water from the Düsseldorf side of the Rhine and was drifted away. The explosive situation prompted passers-by to immediately alert the rescue services, so that quick help was available.

The DLRG rescue workers began resuscitation measures on board the jet ski. Fortunately, these were able to continue successfully after the unconscious man on the bank was revived. He was subsequently in stable condition and was transported to a nearby hospital. A rescue helicopter that was requested as a precaution was not used, which made the rescue all the more gratifying. The jet skier was highly praised by the fire department for his quick actions.

Thanks and warnings

With an impressive participation of around 45 emergency services - including the fire department, rescue service, DLRG, water rescue service and water police - the operation lasted around two hours. These coordinated efforts have once again shown how important it is for different emergency services to work together. However, it is not just the quick reaction that counts, but also the critical warning about the dangers of swimming in the Rhine. Currents and boat traffic can be life-threatening and require special caution.

Ten days earlier, jet ski drivers had already demonstrated their quick action: They rescued four men who had also drifted out of the Rhine. One of these men had to be taken to the hospital. These recent events make it clear that the dangers on water are omnipresent and that one should always be vigilant, especially in waters with strong currents.

Rescue from currents

The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) has put together tips for self-rescue from currents. In such situations it is often advisable to move sideways at the bottom of the eddy to free yourself from the current. These vortices reach down to the bottom of the body of water and create a whirlpool effect that, like drain water from a bathtub, can lead to dangerous situations. These currents can be particularly strong at dams or dams.

The current incidents on the Rhine show how important it is to always keep an eye on your surroundings and inform others in good time if an emergency occurs. The courage and quick reaction of the jet ski driver in Neuss-Uedesheim could ultimately have saved someone's life. This should be a dire warning to all swimmers, especially in river-like waters like the Rhine.

Read more about yesterday's events: Lokalklick.eu, find out more at WDR or find out about self-rescue from currents on the DLRG page.