Common Bathing Risks and Strategies for Self-Defense

Swimming is a popular summer activity, but it's essential to remember that conditions in open waters like lakes, seas, rivers, or canals are less "controlled" than in a swimming pool. Rivers, in particular, can change rapidly, posing risks for swimmers outside of secured river baths.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Respect the Water's Power: Never underestimate your abilities and strengths. Swimming too far out can become critical, especially in rivers with rapidly changing currents.
Stay Visible: In a river emergency, make yourself visible by waving your arms and calling out. Do not attempt to fight against the current. Instead, lie on your back and let the current carry you along.
Be Aware of Offshore Currents: Even experienced swimmers can be put at risk by offshore currents.
Avoid Diving Headfirst: Diving headfirst into water can lead to severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and paralysis, especially in murky lakes where the depth is hard to gauge.
Watch the Weather: Heavy rain can make breathing difficult and lead to dangerous situations for swimmers. Be aware of the weather conditions before you dive in.
Stay Sober to Swim: Alcohol and drugs can impair swimming abilities and increase the risk of drowning.
Be Cautious with Cold Water: Not everyone is prepared for sudden contraction of blood vessels when entering cold water, especially for people with heart or vascular diseases.
Know Your Limits: Drowning is a young, male issue, according to Alexander Paffrath, head of operations at the German Life Saving Association (DLRG). Always swim within your limits.
Stay Alert for Lightning: Lightning striking water can cause currents that can shock swimmers and potentially lead to drowning. Swimmers should leave the water when thunder is heard, even if the storm seems far away.
Know Your Surroundings: Boat traffic on large rivers like the Rhine, Elbe, or Mosel can displace water, creating a suction that can pull swimmers into the middle of the river, particularly children.
Communicate: If a rescue attempt is necessary, notify others at the bathing area that a rescue attempt is underway to avoid misunderstandings. In an emergency, call for help (if available, from lifeguards on site) or dial emergency number 112 and describe the location of the incident as accurately as possible.
Swim Smart: Swimming parallel to the shore can help cover a lot of distance without necessarily swimming far out. If a rescue attempt is necessary, weigh the risks carefully. In a river, it's generally not advisable to jump in, but in a lake, a competent swimmer may attempt to swim to the person in distress and throw them a life ring after removing shoes and restrictive clothing.
Secured Spots are Safer: The most common places for swimming accidents in Germany are unsecured natural bathing spots such as lakes and rivers, where 85% of fatal drownings occur; in contrast, swimming pools—including outdoor pools—account for far fewer deaths.
Expert Advice: Experts consider anyone who meets the requirements for the bronze swimming badge a safe swimmer.