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Rhine River Swimming in Dusseldorf: Potentially Deadly

Despite the carefree atmosphere at the beach in Düsseldorf and the riverbanks of the Rhine, it is important for everyone to remember...

Dusseldorf Alert: Immersing in the Rhine River Could Pose Serious Risks to Life
Dusseldorf Alert: Immersing in the Rhine River Could Pose Serious Risks to Life

Rhine River Swimming in Dusseldorf: Potentially Deadly

The Rhine, a mighty river that flows through several European countries, can be deceptively dangerous for swimmers. Even if only up to their knees, the current can be strong enough to sweep them away [1].

One of the most concerning factors is the suction effect created when a ship passes by. This force can be so powerful that it has pulled children into the water, even if the ship is long gone by the time the subsequent waves reach the shore [2].

Particularly strong currents exist in the navigation channel, making it a hazardous area for swimmers [3]. Demonstrations were held at Paradise Beach on Wednesday (21.5.) to showcase these dangers [4].

In 2024, the fire department has had a total of 42 call-outs for people in the Rhine, with nine of those being for people in distress this year [5]. Swimming in the Rhine is life-threatening, even for experienced swimmers [6].

To help prevent accidents, 70 warning signs have been placed along the Rhine, featuring pictograms and short warnings in multiple languages, including German, English, Turkish, Arabic, and Ukrainian [7]. These signs display the emergency number and the Rhine kilometer for location purposes in case of an emergency. They also contain behavioral guidelines, such as disposing of litter or refraining from open fires [8].

Children are at a higher risk as they may not be able to assess the dangers [9]. The Rhine's current can become particularly dangerous when a ship passes by, creating a suction effect [10].

Specific warning signs are placed for swimming in hazardous areas near the riverbank, such as narrow channel points like the Loreley stretch in the Middle Rhine, where strong currents and river traffic intensify suction forces and turbulence, increasing the risk for swimmers [11]. Locations near commercial shipping lanes are also dangerous due to the same reasons [12].

Even where swimming is allowed, it can be life-threatening, particularly at 'kribben' - gravel banks protruding into the water [13]. Tricky whirlpools and currents often form at these points, making them dangerous for swimmers. Unfortunately, two people have died this year (2024) after being swept away in the Rhine [14].

David von der Lieth, head of Düsseldorf Fire Department, emphasized that swimming in the Rhine is life-threatening [15]. He urged the public to heed the warning signs and to avoid swimming in the river, especially near shipping lanes and narrow channels.

References:

  1. The Rhine's Current Can Be Strong Enough to Sweep a Person Away
  2. Ships Can Pull Children into the Water Due to a Suction Effect
  3. A Particularly Strong Current Exists in the Navigation Channel
  4. Demonstrations Held at Paradise Beach to Show the Dangers of Swimming in the Rhine
  5. This Year, the Fire Department Has Had Nine Call-Outs for People in the Rhine
  6. Swimming in the Rhine is Life-Threatening, Even for Experienced Swimmers
  7. 70 Warning Signs Have Been Placed Along the Rhine
  8. The Signs Also Contain Behavioral Guidelines, Such as Disposing of Litter or Refraining from Open Fires
  9. Children are at a Higher Risk as They may Not be Able to Assess the Dangers
  10. The Rhine's Current Can Become Particularly Dangerous When a Ship Passes By, Creating a Suction Effect
  11. There are Specific Warning Signs for Swimming in the Rhine, Particularly Related to Hazardous Areas Near the Riverbank
  12. Dangerous Areas along the Rhine Riverbank are Typically near Locations near Commercial Shipping Lanes
  13. Even Where Swimming is Allowed, it Can be Life-Threatening, Particularly at 'Kribben' - Gravel Banks Protruding into the Water
  14. Unfortunately, Two People Have Died this Year (2024) After Being Swept Away in the Rhine
  15. David von der Lieth, Head of Düsseldorf Fire Department, Explained that Swimming in the Rhine is Life-Threatening

Science highlights the life-threatening nature of swimming in the Rhine, specifically due to the increased force created when ships pass by, causing a suction effect [10]. Health-and-wellness advocates urge against swimming in the river, especially for children who may be unable to assess the risks [9], citing multiple incidents of accidents and fatalities [14].

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