The city of Düsseldorf is preparing to bring a bathing ban in the Rhine River following several fatal swimming accidents, WDR reported on Monday.
Düsseldorf Mayor Stephan Keller told WDR that the city administration is drafting a regulatory ordinance to this effect.
A debate around a bathing ban has grown in recent weeks, and it was initially unclear which authority could impose a local swimming ban.
According to Keller, the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of the Interior has now confirmed that the city has the authority to enforce a swim ban within its own urban area.
A spokesperson confirmed to WDR that the ministry is of the opinion that federal law does not preclude a municipal bathing ban.
The ban would see “unauthorized bathing” punishable by a fine.
Further details, including how much the fine would be and when the bathing ban would be implemented, are not yet known. But a Rheinische Post report suggests that the ban would apply to the full length of the river within the city-limits, and that the fine would likely be in the three digit range.
Swimming is already prohibited in the Rhine and other shipping canals due to the hazards posed by boat traffic and stronger currents. But the proposed city-wide bathing ban would further solidify the rule and make it enforceable by city authorities.
Rescue workers search for a missing person on the Rhine River. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | David Young
A bathing ban has been in place in the city of Duisburg since 1972, because it was considered necessary for shipping operations.
Deadly current
A series of fatalities occurred on the Rhine this year when swimmers, who were pulled in by the river’s strong current, drowned.
An 18-year-old died on July 1st after being swept away while bathing at the popular “Paradise Beach”.
Ruhr 24 reported that in the two week leading up to that incident several people had drowned. In many cases the deceased weren’t found until they had drifted further down the river, in some cases as far as Duisburg – which is about 25 kilometres north.
In response to an inquiry by the Rheinishe Post, the fire brigade shared that it had been called out 46 times in Düsseldorf to rescue people in the Rhine.
This article by WDR (in German, English, Turkish, Arabic and Ukrainian) details exactly why the Rhine River can be especially dangerous.
READ ALSO: In which German cities can you swim in the river?
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Will other cities on the Rhine follow?
A bathing ban in Düsseldorf could have a signal effect for other cities.
The city of Cologne, for example, is also reportedly considering a general bathing ban.
The city of Düsseldorf put up additional warning signs against bathing at popular sections of the Rhine a few weeks ago and announced increased controls.
