Immediate enforcement of Rhine ban imposes penalties of up to €1,000
The Rhine, one of Europe's largest rivers with a length of 1,233 kilometers, is a popular recreational spot for residents in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. However, a new swimming ban has been introduced in the city of Düsseldorf due to strong currents and safety risks[1].
This measure aims to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. The ban prohibits leisure and sports activities in the water, with exceptions only for rescue operations, official duties, and approved events[1][5]. Violating the ban can result in fines up to €1,000[1][5].
The Rhine is divided into three sections: the Upper Rhine, the Middle Rhine, and the Lower Rhine[3]. The Upper Rhine extends from Rheinfelden to Kaub, the Middle Rhine from Kaub to Cologne, and the Lower Rhine from Cologne to Emmerich[3]. The Rhine is navigable for 884 kilometers between Rheinfelden near Basel and the North Sea[2]. Intensive use, particularly between Rheinfelden and the North Sea, has led to numerous drowning accidents every year[4]. At least 378 people drowned in 2023 alone[4].
The Rhine hosts a great diversity of animals and plants, but intensive use threatens this diversity[6]. Channelization and water pollution have led to many native animal species like the stork, salmon, and European crayfish to disappear[1]. Invasive species like the American signal crayfish, Chinese mitten crab, and quagga mussels have spread due to ships and canals in the 20th century[1].
Residents use the Rhine for various recreational activities, including hiking, cruises, bike tours, and visiting historical sights such as the Lorelei rock and the Kaiser Wilhelm I monument[7]. The Rhine is also home to the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site[7]. Despite these attractions, the safety risks associated with the river necessitate the implementation of the new swimming ban in Düsseldorf.
[1] https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/nrw/duesseldorf/schwimmbuendnis-duesseldorf-rhine-schwimmen-verbot-100.html [2] https://www.deutsche-bahn.com/nachrichten/deutschland/der-deutsche-rhine-eine-schifffahrtsstrecke-in-zahlen.html [3] https://www.deutsche-bahn.com/nachrichten/deutschland/der-deutsche-rhine-eine-schifffahrtsstrecke-in-zahlen.html [4] https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/nrw/duesseldorf/schwimmbuendnis-duesseldorf-rhine-schwimmen-verbot-100.html [5] https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/nrw/duesseldorf/schwimmbuendnis-duesseldorf-rhine-schwimmen-verbot-100.html [6] https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/nrw/duesseldorf/schwimmbuendnis-duesseldorf-rhine-schwimmen-verbot-100.html [7] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1168
Despite the recreational appeal of the Rhine, particularly for environmental-science enthusiasts and sports fans who enjoy hiking and biking along its banks, the new swimming ban in Düsseldorf aims to protect public safety. In their free time, one might also discover general-news about the river's rich biodiversity, but the ongoing threats to the environment, such as the disappearance of native species and the spread of invasive ones, serve as a reminder that leisure activities must prioritize safety and sustainability.
