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Tragedy in the Rhine: Father discovered dead after swimming accident in Cologne!
A swimming accident in the Rhine leads to a death; Warnings about dangerous swimming and possible bathing bans are increasing.
Tragedy in the Rhine: Father discovered dead after swimming accident in Cologne!
A tragic swimming accident in the Rhine caused shocked faces in Cologne on Monday. Loud n-tv A 47-year-old man was found dead after the incident. The man was in the water with his wife and two sons in Cologne-Rodenkirchen when he and one of his sons were caught by the current. While the son managed to escape to the shore, the father remained missing.
The desperate search operations, which included diving operations and helicopters, were initially unsuccessful. It was only later that the man's body was discovered more than 100 kilometers down the Rhine near Voerde. The Wesel police confirmed that the dead man was the missing father.
Warnings about the Rhine
The dangers of swimming in the Rhine are well known. The authorities are urgently warning that the currents and heavy boat traffic make the river a life-threatening place for swimming. This is also clear in another incident: On Wednesday evening, a 6-year-old boy was caught in the current near Paradise Beach in Düsseldorf. Tragically, he was found dead near Duisburg on Friday. Christopher Hoffmann, who wanted to relax on the beach, expressed concern about these incidents and recommended not swimming in the Rhine WDR reported.
The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) is also concerned and warns of the strong currents. The fire department in Düsseldorf has had to be called out over 30 times a year because people got into the water; Of these, five missions ended tragically. Even large signs on the paradise beach warning against swimming do not seem to be enough to deter people from their plans.
Opportunities for rescue
In addition to warning, it is important to know what to do in an emergency. Oliver Ostendarp from the DLRG Düsseldorf explains that it can be too dangerous to jump into the water yourself to save someone. Instead, you should contact the emergency number 112. Information about the exact location and situation is essential. It is crucial not to put yourself in danger and instead wait on the shore for emergency responders.
“If you are unsure, you should dial 112 again immediately,” says Ostendarp. People who get into distress often have the option of keeping themselves afloat, for example with floating objects such as lifebuoys or pieces of wood. If you find yourself in trouble, he advises not to fight against the current, but rather to swim with the current to the shore.
Conclusion and outlook
The events of the last few days once again illustrate how dangerous swimming in the Rhine can be. In view of the tragic accidents and the numerous fire brigade operations, a general bathing ban is now being considered in Düsseldorf. Christine Hoffmann and other residents support this idea, while voices are also heard calling for personal responsibility. It is clear that safety comes first - swimming in the Rhine remains risky.