Bathing in NRW

"Pack your swimming trunks!" That's what we like to say in summer. Water has a fascinating attraction for us; it refreshes and invigorates in equal measure. What's more, swimming in local waters is a summer leisure activity for families and children that costs little money. The physical exercise is fun, time flies by and the whole family enjoys it. You should know the most important bathing rules to ensure that your swimming trip is a success. Want to find out more? Then dive right into this article!

Safety first!

A day at the bathing lake offers you and your children the opportunity to enjoy the cool water to the full. Whether it's splashing around in the shallow water, swimming in a race or water sports activities such as stand-up paddling or pedal boating - the possibilities are endless! It's a good thing that many local waters in North Rhine-Westphalia with high water quality invite you to go swimming.

Sensible swimming: the greatest dangers lurk here

Before you set off, you should familiarize yourself with the most important swimming rules. Knowing the rules reduces the risk of swimming accidents.

Swimming in unauthorized waters is particularly life-threatening. These include the Rhine, the Weser and the canals. The currents and waves are life-threatening even for experienced swimmers. Quarry ponds can also be dangerous if they are not expressly permitted for swimming. Always pay attention to the warning signs!

The most common cause of swimming accidents is reckless behavior. Be especially careful when jumping headfirst into murky water. Jumping into unfamiliar waters should be avoided at all costs if you are unable to judge the depth of the water. This can result in serious injuries or even paraplegia.

Some people overestimate their strength when swimming out. A calf cramp can lead to panic and put the person concerned in distress. It can also be dangerous if someone jumps into the cold water overheated after eating and drinking or extensive sunbathing. There is a risk of circulatory collapse.

• Stay within the designated swimming zones. As a rule, there are no aquatic plants and no steep drop-offs of the subsoil to worry about here. In addition, this area is often guarded by trained rescue personnel.
• Familiarize yourself with the rules for self-help in the water for unexpected situations.
• Never swim on a full or completely empty stomach.
• Cool down before entering the water and leave the water immediately if you are cold.
• If you are not a swimmer, only go into the water up to your chest.
• Only jump if the water below you is deep enough and clear.
• Unknown banks are dangerous.
• Avoid swampy and vegetated waters.
• Bathing in thunderstorms is life-threatening.
• Do not overestimate your strength and ability in open water.
• Air mattresses, car inner tubes and rubber animals are dangerous toys in the water.
• Be considerate of other bathers, especially children.
• Do not contaminate the water and behave hygienically.
• Avoid intensive sunbathing.
• Never call for help unless you are in real danger, but help others if help is needed.

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Source: www.badewasser.nrw.de/baderegeln

Attention: pollutants and contamination can lurk in bathing waters

The majority of bathing waters in North Rhine-Westphalia have high water quality. In North Rhine-Westphalia, there are currently 85 designated EU bathing waters with 111 bathing sites where water quality tests are carried out regularly during the bathing season. The Ministry of the Environment and the State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia expressly point this out.

However, health risks can still occur.

In particular when it is very hot in summer, bacterial infections can occur, which can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. This can be caused by pathogens that enter the water through faeces. Birds and ducks also contribute to contamination in some places. People with open and poorly healing wounds should therefore not go into warm summer water.

In hot summers, an excessive amount of blue-green algae can develop in bathing lakes. These are bacteria, cyanobacteria to be precise. These bacteria can cause nausea, diarrhea and inflammation of the throat, eyes and ears, as well as allergic reactions. If you experience health problems after bathing, you should consult a doctor. Please also inform the public health department.

How to protect yourself from blue-green algae

To protect yourself from cyanobacteria, you should follow these tips:

• The bathing areas in NRW are regularly monitored by the authorities. Before going swimming, find out whether swimming is currently permitted and be sure to observe any existing bathing bans.
• There is a rule of thumb that you can use as a guide: If you are knee-deep in water and cannot see your feet due to a green-blue turbidity, it is better not to go swimming.
• Children often swallow water when splashing around and splashing about. Cyanobacteria like to float in shallow water in particular. Parents should therefore pay particular attention if they notice any discoloration of the water.
• After bathing, shower thoroughly. Wash out swimming trunks, bikini or swimsuit to rinse out the bacteria. This prevents skin irritation later on.

Source: https://www.badegewaesser.nrw.de/baderegeln

Bathing in harmony with the flora and fauna

You should always act in harmony with nature on your swimming trip. Local bathing lakes are often rich in plants and animals. Their natural habitat must be protected and preserved. Parents are good role models for their children! With the necessary sense of responsibility and due consideration for the habitat of animals and the diversity of the plant world, summer can be enjoyed to the full.