River Swimmer Successfully Saved from the Rhine
In an incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon, a swimmer was rescued from the Rhine river in Walluf, Rheingau-Taunus district. The rescue was carried out by a boat from the German Life Saving Association (DLRG).
The swimmer, aged 39, was reportedly struggling and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The incident took place just before a cargo ship passed by, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Swimming in the Rhine river can be dangerous due to strong currents and heavy shipping traffic. The river's configuration and heavy river traffic demand respect for its power and strict adherence to official guidelines for safe swimming.
Unpredictable currents, busy commercial shipping traffic, whirlpools, and gravel patches are some of the key dangers that make swimming in the Rhine potentially hazardous. In some cities like Düsseldorf and Neuss, swimming in the Rhine is entirely banned due to these safety concerns.
To ensure safety, it is recommended to swim only in designated and officially approved swimming zones, avoid areas near harbors, bridges, locks, shipyards, and ferry landings, and stay informed about current water flow and weather conditions. In fast-flowing or high water conditions, inflatable swimming aids should not be used, and local authorities’ warnings and regulations should always be heeded.
Following the rescue, the swimmer was taken to a specialized clinic, but a doctor refused to admit the individual. The swimmer was then placed in the care of a relative.
The report about the incident was made by the Wiesbaden fire department, but no new information about the rescue was provided. The specific details about the cargo ship that passed by during the incident were not disclosed.
The authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when swimming in the Rhine due to potential dangers such as unpredictable currents, heavy shipping traffic, and whirlpools. On the day of the incident, a cargo ship sailed by as emergency responders from the DLRG rescued a swimmer struggling in the river.
