Person leaps from a bridge into the water below, resulting in their untimely demise.
In a tragic turn of events, a fatal swimming incident has occurred in the Rhine River, specifically near the tram bridge in Kehl, Ortenau district. The man, who was found lifeless, reportedly jumped off the Passerelle pedestrian bridge and was swept away by the current.
The Rhine, while popular among locals for swimming, carries significant risks due to strong currents, potential eddies and whirlpools, and heavy shipping traffic. Swimming in this river requires strict adherence to safety rules to mitigate these dangers.
When the water level is high (above 6.50 meters) or the flow rate exceeds 1500 m³/second, dangerous currents and driftwood can be present, making swimming potentially hazardous. It is recommended to swim only when these conditions are within safer ranges.
Swimming is also prohibited before and after the lock in Birsfelden and in harbor areas due to the presence of large ships, which cannot easily avoid swimmers, posing a major safety hazard. Swimmers must avoid swimming alone and only swim when water temperature is above 18°C and water quality is good.
Jumping from bridges and landing stages is prohibited due to risks from both the height and the cold water temperature, as well as dangers posed to others. The use of swimming aids like water wings, air mattresses, or rubber boats is also prohibited, likely because they increase risk in the current.
The busy shipping traffic on the Rhine is a serious concern, as large vessels share the river with swimmers, making certain areas unsafe for swimming. In fact, passing ships can cause a temporary "ebb tide" that pulls bathers further into the riverbed.
The Rhine has numerous eddies and whirlpools that can sweep people away. Even experienced swimmers can be pulled under at the so-called "buoys" in the Rhine, which can develop a downward suction, posing a danger to swimmers.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with swimming in the Rhine. It is crucial for swimmers to be aware of these risks and to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure their safety.
The investigation into the death has been taken over by the Offenburg Criminal Police. Given the location of the incident, the investigation may involve neighboring countries.
[1] Source: Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment and the Energy Economy [4] Source: Rhine Navigation Authority
This article serves to raise awareness about the dangers of swimming in the Rhine and to encourage swimmers to prioritise safety when enjoying this popular waterway.
Applying caution in the Rhine can prevent accidents. Swimmers should avoid diving from bridges, adhere to water level and flow rate restrictions, and steer clear of harbor areas and large ships. Additionally, one should be mindful of the river's possible eddies and whirlpools, which can be hazardous even for experienced swimmers. Following these guidelines can mitigate risks associated with crime-and-justice incidents, similar to the tragic swimming incident in the Rhine near Kehl, and ensure a safer experience for general-news sports enthusiasts who enjoy the river.
