Bathing in the lake, river or sea not only brings a lot of refreshment on hot summer days, but also special relaxation. But that shouldn’t tempt swimmers to be careless. Because natural bodies of water often have their pitfalls.
Swim in the middle of nature – enjoy the coolness, sounds and light. A day at the lake often feels like a holiday. You escape the hustle and bustle of the outdoor pool and at the same time escape the chlorine that attacks the mucous membranes. However, bathing in natural waters also carries risks. Waves, deeper water, currents and direct sunlight can easily make life difficult. If you follow the tips below for swimming in a lake, river or sea, you can help avoid tragic swimming accidents.
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Eight tips for swimming in a lake, river or sea
1. Ask professionals
“Anyone who intends to swim in a lake should inquire in advance with the DLRG (German Life Saving Society), the water rescue service and on regional websites. At lakes, the approved bathing areas are marked with signs,” explains swimming coach and six-time German champion Toni Embacher in an interview with FITBOOK.
2. Absolutely observe bathing bans
Bathing bans should not be disregarded under any circumstances. Dangers from currents, which can drive even good swimmers miles away, or from shipping, quickly become a deadly danger for swimmers. It is also best for bathers to stay away from particularly overgrown and swampy shore areas where it is easy to sink into the ground. Rocks in the water where there are hidden currents should be swum wide. In addition, flora and fauna in nature and water protection areas are not to be adversely affected. There is also an explicit bathing ban here.
Embacher adds: “In order to ‘have peace’, many people prefer to swim in remote places. I strongly advise against this for the sake of health and to protect nature and the underwater world. If there are reasons that make entry at a wild waterhole necessary, then care should be taken to ensure a shallow and flat entry. Because: Where there is a steep drop into the water, there is a risk that boat and ship traffic will pass close to the shore. This represents a considerable danger for every swimmer – whether experienced or inexperienced. And: Where it goes in steeply, it also goes out steeply again. And that can prove to be an exhausting task.”
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3. Never go into the water alone
Anyone who goes swimming in a natural body of water should always take someone with them who, in the worst case, can call the emergency room or help directly if, for example, you choke or get a cramp.
4. Don’t overestimate yourself
You should never overestimate yourself and swim out too far, but should always stay close to the shore. The way back is usually longer than expected. In the lake, river or sea there are no tiles on the ground to which one can orientate oneself and also no wall to which one can hold on at all times.
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5. Be careful when jumping
Never jump into unfamiliar waters: dives in shore and shallow water areas can be life-threatening or result in permanent damage.
6. Avoid the midday heat when swimming in the lake and sea
Avoid swimming during the midday heat. Otherwise, circulatory problems can easily occur.
With our colleagues from TRAVELBOOK you will find the 25 most beautiful bathing lakes in Germany – with a map. Have a look!
7. Wear a swimming cap
When swimming in a lake, river or sea, wear a brightly colored swimming cap to attract the attention of boats.
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8. In the car during a thunderstorm
In the event of a thunderstorm, you must leave the water immediately. It’s safest in the car.
recognize drowning people
Not only when swimming in lakes and seas: Drowning people cannot be recognized by wild cries for help, but only by careful observation. Because: If you are really in need, you are no longer able to utter sounds. The DLRG points this out. “If children get into trouble, they usually tip forward under the water. Then you only see the back of the head,” explains DLRG expert Achim Wiese. «Adults tend to tip backwards, here their noses tend to stick out of the water.»
Also interesting: drowning people do not call for help – and that is the great danger
Only experienced observers should intervene in adults
Anyone who discovers a person in an emergency should call 112 immediately. Starting a rescue attempt yourself is a tricky business. Wiese only recommends this for adults in distress if the person has specialist knowledge – i.e. can assess both the body of water and the weight of the person in distress and is familiar with rescue processes.
Otherwise there is a risk that the drowning person will cling to the rescuer and both will be in distress because the rescuer cannot free himself from the grip. It is better for first responders to look for a lifebelt or large piece of wood for the drowning person to hold on to.
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Rescuing children is also possible for the inexperienced
It is different with small children. «Even inexperienced rescuers can risk an assignment here,» says Wiese. Provided it is a calm body of water, for example a bathing lake or a swimming pool.
The body of water is an important criterion in general – in addition to knowledge of professional rescue. «I wouldn’t recommend anyone, not even the most experienced rescuers, to spontaneously jump into the Rhine,» warns Wiese. In waters with strong currents, however, it is advisable to walk along the shore so that the emergency services called know immediately where the drowning person is. Even if an observer decides to intervene himself, the emergency call should definitely be made beforehand. In any case, an ambulance is then required.