Swimming in North Rhine-Westphalia
Refreshing Adventures for the Whole Family
“Pack your swimsuit!” That’s a common refrain in the summer. Whether it’s splashing around in shallow water, racing each other, or enjoying water sports like stand-up paddleboarding or paddle boating—activities in the water are both refreshing and invigorating. What’s more, swimming in local bodies of water is an affordable summer pastime for families and children. It’s great that North Rhine-Westphalia has many local bodies of water with high water quality that are perfect for swimming.
To ensure your swimming trip goes smoothly, you should be familiar with the most important swimming rules. Want to learn more? Then dive right into this article!
Swimming Safely: Here Are the Biggest Dangers
Safety First!
Children should never be left unattended while swimming. Even a brief moment of inattention can be dangerous. Even at supervised swimming areas, in a pool, or in a kiddie pool at home, parents are responsible for supervising their children.
The Most Important Swimming Rules for Uninterrupted Swimming Fun
- Stay within the designated swimming areas. Generally, there are no aquatic plants or steep drops in the seabed to worry about here. In addition, this area is often monitored by trained lifeguards.
- Familiarize yourself with the rules for self-rescue in the water in case of unexpected situations.
- Never swim on a full or completely empty stomach.
- Cool off before entering the water, and get out of the water immediately if you feel cold.
- If you can’t swim, only go into the water up to your chest.
- Only jump in if the water beneath you is deep enough and clear.
- Unfamiliar shores can be dangerous.
- Avoid swampy and overgrown bodies of water.
- Swimming during a thunderstorm is life-threatening.
- Do not overestimate your strength and ability in open water.
- Air mattresses, car inner tubes, and inflatable toys are dangerous in the water.
- Be considerate of other swimmers, especially children.
- Do not pollute the water and practice good hygiene.
- Avoid prolonged sunbathing.
- Never call for help unless you are truly in danger, but help others when help is needed.
Source: www.badewasser.nrw.de/baderegeln
Warning: Pollutants and contaminants may be present in swimming waters
The bathing waters in North Rhine-Westphalia are predominantly of high quality. There are currently 86 designated EU bathing waters with 116 bathing sites, where water quality tests are conducted regularly during the bathing season.
However, health risks may still exist, as bacteria can multiply rapidly and extensively, especially in very hot temperatures. These include:
- Fecal bacteria such as E. coli can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can cause nausea, diarrhea, and inflammation of the throat, eyes, and ears, as well as allergic reactions. If you experience any health problems after swimming, you should see a doctor. Please also notify the public health department.
Caution is also advised if you have open or poorly healing wounds: In this case, avoid swimming in open bodies of water.
How to Protect Yourself from Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
- Before heading out for a swim, check whether swimming is currently permitted, and be sure to observe any existing swimming bans.
- Rule of thumb: If you’re standing knee-deep in the water and can’t see your feet because of a greenish-blue murkiness, you should avoid swimming.
- Children often swallow water while playing, splashing, and spraying water. Cyanobacteria tend to thrive especially in shallow water areas. Therefore, be especially careful if you notice any discoloration of the water.
- Be sure to shower thoroughly after swimming. Also, wash your swimwear to rinse out bacteria. This helps prevent skin irritation later on.
Water in the Ear: These Tips Can Help
When bathing or swimming, water can sometimes get trapped in your ear. This can cause a feeling of pressure in the ear or itching. Sometimes it can also lead to temporary hearing loss.
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Tips for Removing Water
- Tilt your head to the side and gently pull on your earlobe.
- Hop on one leg several times and tilt your head toward the affected side.
- Gently dry the ear. For example, with a small handheld fan or air from a hair dryer set to a maximum of body temperature.
- Cover the ear with the flat of your hand to create a slight vacuum in the ear canal. Then remove your hand so that a suction force pulls the water toward the opening of the ear.
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Home Remedies for a Mild Infection
Mix water and vinegar in a 10:1 ratio. When used as ear drops, the mixture has a disinfecting effect and restores the pH balance of the skin in the ear. However, please use this only if your eardrum is intact.
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You Shouldn't Do That
Do not clean your ears with cotton swabs. This can cause injury and remove the natural wax barrier.
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See an ENT doctor for inflammation and pain
If pain, itching, or a feeling of pressure persists, or if fluid is draining from the ear, you should see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. These symptoms may be caused by an inflammation of the ear canal (swimmer’s ear). This is usually caused by bacteria in the water. With timely treatment, a middle ear infection or inflammation of the eardrum can be prevented.
Swimming in Harmony with the Flora and Fauna
When you go swimming, you should always act in harmony with nature. Local swimming lakes are often rich in plants and animals. It’s important to protect and preserve their natural habitat. Parents can set a good example for their children! With the necessary sense of responsibility and due consideration for the animals’ habitats and the diversity of the plant life, you can enjoy summer to the fullest.
WHERE CAN WE FIND HELP AND ADVICE?
You can find information about bathing waters in North Rhine-Westphalia on the website LANUV – State Office for Nature, Environment, and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia.
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