English - Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf

Ban on swimming in the Rhine

Swimming in the Rhine is prohibited throughout the entire Düsseldorf city area. Violations may be punished with a fine of up to 1,000 euros.

What is prohibited
Immersion in more than ankle-deep water in the Rhine for recreational, sporting or leisure purposes (e.g. bathing, swimming, wading, playing in the water) is prohibited.

Exceptions

  • Getting in and out quickly when boarding and leaving watercraft
  • Launching or pulling watercraft ashore at designated locations
  • Angling and fishing
  • Activities by authorities or emergency services, exercises and operations by water rescue services or the fire brigade
  • Approved events with the express permission of the state capital Düsseldorf.

Validity and further information
This is based on an official regulation issued by the state capital Düsseldorf. It is provisionally valid until 31 December 2026. Swimming in the Rhine is prohibited throughout the entire Düsseldorf city area.

There are signs in several languages that point out the dangers and provide advice on how to behave at the Rhine.
There are signs in several languages that point out the dangers and provide advice on how to behave at the Rhine.

Every year, several people drown while swimming in the Rhine as a result of underestimating the dangers!

Currents are often underestimated.

Even outside the prohibited zones, swimming in the Rhine can be extremely dangerous. For example, gravel patches protruding into the water often form treacherous whirlpools and currents. There are also strong currents in the shipping channel. Passing ships pull the water towards them. The lower water level tempts children to wade into the river. The danger from the returning water is underestimated: the water returns in waves.
Even experienced swimmers can get into trouble in undercurrents.

A warning from the fire brigade: Do not underestimate the currents in the Rhine!

The Düsseldorf fire brigade regularly carries out simulated rescue operations together with the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) and highlights the dangers of swimming in the Rhine.

Swimming in quarry lakes is also dangerous

Swimming in quarry lakes is also dangerous

Permitted

Swimming is allowed in supervised areas, i.e. at Unterbacher See (north and south beach).

Prohibited

Swimming is prohibited in all other quarry lakes, these include:

  • Angermund quarry lakes to the west and east of Heiderweg
  • Suitbertussee
  • Fliednersee
  • Lambertussee in Kaiserswerth
  • Lichtenbroich quarry lake at the airport
  • Südpark-See
  • Unisee
  • Elbsee South and North.

Staying safe in the water

Staying safe in the water

If you go swimming, observe the rules for swimming:

  • never go into the water when you are too hot
  • never go swimming under the influence of alcohol
  • never go into the water with a full stomach
  • never go swimming with a completely empty stomach
  • Parents should always keep an eye on their children around the water!

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