Swimming in the Rhine, Limmat or Aare is popular. Cities like Basel and Bern also attract tourists. The police warn of the dangers.
“I’m here in Basel. In the summer, people just jump into the Rhine and let themselves float through the city,” enthuses American star DJ Diplo in a video he posted on social media. His assessment after the influencer himself treated himself to a cool down in the river: “This is the only way I’ll move around from now on!”
A video that is worth its weight in gold for Basel Tourism. The city has been actively promoting Rhine swimming for a few years now, whether on its homepage or in social media posts.
You want to experience what the locals do.
Authentic experiences are very popular with tourists: “People want to experience what the locals do,” says Letizia Elia, Director of Basel Tourism.
Aare, Limmat – Swimming in Swiss rivers is popular
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Caption: Aare rafting and swimming is a popular sport that also attracts tourists. Keystone/ANTHONY ANEX
Cooling off in the river is also very popular in other Swiss cities. In Zurich it is in the Limmat; Bern is known for the Aare. The tourism website Bern Welcome says: “Who needs the sea anyway?”
At the same time, there are warnings about the dangers. “Swimming in the Aare is only recommended for experienced swimmers and is done at your own risk.”
Warning of risks
There have been problems here in the past, too. Two years ago, for example, the son of an Indonesian politician drowned in the Aare, but his sister and a friend were rescued.
There are also warnings and recommendations on the city of Zurich’s website: “There are great dangers from currents and shipping on the Limmat. Wear a clearly visible swimming cap or take a swimming buoy with you.”
The marketing seems to be working. Vinzenz Winkler, President of the IG Rheinschwimmen, sums it up: “Swimming in the Rhine makes Basel famous.” On the Rhine, you no longer just hear Swiss German, but all kinds of languages. In principle, this development is welcome. But Winkler also has concerns: “It is critical if we lure inexperienced swimmers into the river.”
It is critical if we lure inexperienced swimmers into the river.
Christian Senn from the Swiss Lifesaving Society (SLRG) also says that many tourists are not aware of the dangers. “Of course it looks comfortable. But you have to be a good swimmer and getting out of the Rhine can be difficult when the current is strong.”
Rules for river and Rhine swimmers
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In the Guide for swimming in the Rhine The SLRG Basel lists a whole series of points. Here are the most important rules:
- Only experienced and good swimmers should swim in the Rhine. For example, they should also be able to dive.
- Never swim alone.
- Take the water situation into account. Divide and adjust the route depending on the water temperature and current.
- Stay calm if you miss the intended exit and swim calmly to the shore.
It is not known how many tourists have had to be rescued from the Rhine because of poor swimming skills. There are no statistics on Rhine rescues.
Exceptionally high number of rescues
What is striking, however, is that at the beginning of August, six rescues had to be carried out on the Rhine in one week – an extraordinary number. The Rhine was murky, the current was strong, and there was some driftwood floating under the water’s surface.
Legend: Despite certain dangers, swimming in the Rhine is extremely popular. GEORGIOS KEFALAS
“These are dangers that swimmers from outside the area are perhaps less aware of,” says Adrian Plachesi, spokesman for the Basel cantonal police. It is possible that tourist swimming also led to the conspicuously high number of emergency reports.
Fatal accidents involving foreign nationals
There were also a noticeable number of emergencies in Zurich. Many people from outside the city also cooled off in the Limmat. “There were also fatal accidents involving tourists, immigrants and asylum seekers,” says Martin Kömeter, media spokesperson for the SLRG Region Zurich.
Caption: Cooling off in the Letten: But the relaxed summer mood can quickly turn into dangerous situations. Keystone/MICHAEL BUHOLZER
“There were a lot of accidents this year. The water level was high and there were strong currents.” This can quickly become dangerous, especially for poor swimmers.
It is really important to us to raise awareness of the dangers.
Letizia Elia from Basel Tourism says that they inform tourists about the risks: “It is really important to us to raise awareness of the dangers. Only good swimmers should go into the Rhine.” Basel Tourism also adapts these messages to the current weather and water conditions.
