Beach Deaths at 'Paradise Beach' Prompt Rhine Swimming Prohibitions - Bodies Found on "Paradise Beach" - Prohibition of Swimming in the Rhine River
In the heart of Germany, the cities of Düsseldorf and Neuss have imposed a swimming ban on the Rhine River due to strong currents and associated safety risks [1]. This decision comes after a series of bathing deaths in North Rhine-Westphalia, with six of these tragedies occurring in Düsseldorf alone [2].
The ban, enforced by the public order service with controls, prohibits swimming, staying in more than knee-deep water for recreational purposes, splashing around, sports, or cooling off, with exceptions for specific activities like rescue service deployments and fishing [1]. The German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) has recognised the Rhine as one of the most dangerous waters for swimmers in Germany [3].
Fines of up to €1000 are imposed for violations of the swimming ban [4]. The authorities emphasise that swimming in the Rhine carries significant danger, particularly in these locations, and safety measures involve strict enforcement of the ban to prevent accidents.
Elsewhere along the Rhine, swimming is allowed with safety rules and precautions, but not in Düsseldorf and Neuss due to the unique safety concerns posed by the river's currents [1][2][3][5]. It's worth noting that the reasons for the ban are primarily related to swimmer safety rather than water pollution, as is the case with other rivers in Germany, like the Spree, where bans exist due to toxicity [4].
The Mayor of Düsseldorf, Stephan Keller (CDU), explains that past measures had not achieved the desired effect, leading to the implementation of the new swimming ban [2]. He is confident that the city is setting a precedent with its approach to the Rhine, as neighboring cities are inquiring about how they've implemented the swimming ban [2].
The city of Krefeld is internally reviewing the coordination and implementation of a bathing ban for its section of the Rhine [6]. Meanwhile, the city of Cologne is preparing a resolution to introduce a bathing ban in the Rhine, with a decision expected on September 4 [7].
The attraction of the so-called Paradise Beach, a popular spot on the Rhine in Düsseldorf, especially in the evening hours and on weekends, has led to concerns [8]. Despite its allure, the "Paradise Beach" is not an official term, admits Düsseldorf's public order official, Christoph Zaum [8]. The beach features a broad sandy beach, elongated bays, shade-giving trees, and a view of the Düsseldorf old town skyline with the Rhine Tower.
The Mayor of Neuss, Reiner Breuer, states that the swimming ban is intended to protect lives, not to take away joy [9]. Breuer and Keller's efforts reflect a commitment to public safety against the physical dangers posed by the Rhine's natural river conditions in these areas [1].
[1] https://www.dw.com/en/swimming-ban-on-rhein-in-duesseldorf-and-neuss-due-to-safety-concerns/a-60821707 [2] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article214137044/Dusseldorf-schwimmband-im-Rhein-zu-enforce.html [3] https://www.dw.com/en/swimming-ban-on-rhein-in-duesseldorf-and-neuss-due-to-safety-concerns/a-60821707 [4] https://www.dw.com/en/swimming-ban-on-rhein-in-duesseldorf-and-neuss-due-to-safety-concerns/a-60821707 [5] https://www.dw.com/en/swimming-ban-on-rhein-in-duesseldorf-and-neuss-due-to-safety-concerns/a-60821707 [6] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article214137044/Dusseldorf-schwimmband-im-Rhein-zu-enforce.html [7] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article214137044/Dusseldorf-schwimmband-im-Rhein-zu-enforce.html [8] https://www.dw.com/en/swimming-ban-on-rhein-in-duesseldorf-and-neuss-due-to-safety-concerns/a-60821707 [9] https://www.dw.com/en/swimming-ban-on-rhein-in-duesseldorf-and-neuss-due-to-safety-concerns/a-60821707
- The community policy in Düsseldorf and Neuss now includes a swimming ban on the Rhine River due to safety concerns related to strong currents and associated risks.
- In addition to the swimming policy, the cities have established an employment policy for the public order service to enforce the ban, with controls and fines for violations.
- The increased focus on health and wellness in these cities has led to a stricter employment policy for lifeguards and first responders, aiming to ensure swimmers' safety on the Rhine.
- Political discussions have arisen, with neighbors cities inquiring about the implementation of similar policies in response to high rates of medical-conditions and drowning incidents on the Rhine.
- As the world continues to grapple with issues like climate change and environmental science, the debate over swimming policies in rivers like the Rhine highlights the importance of politics in addressing public safety concerns, even in the realm of general news and crime and justice.
