On hot summer days, swimming is a staple of leisure time for many. However, public bathing areas on rivers or lakes are not always the best spots for a cool-down: currents, steep banks, or even blue-green algae can become hazards. This repeatedly leads to swimming accidents – sometimes with fatal outcomes. Leisure swimmers should be cautious at these locations.
The Lech River near Kissing
There has already been one fatal swimming accident at the Lech in Kissing this year. As a flowing body of water, the Lech, like other rivers, is more unpredictable and dangerous than still waters like lakes or ponds. The currents are not manageable for bathers, who often overestimate their own strength while swimming and quickly panic when caught by the current. This leads to repeated dangerous and fatal swimming accidents along the Lech. Those who cannot swim should avoid bathing in flowing waters entirely.
The Lech River near Landsberg
While bathing is permitted in many places downstream of the Lech weir, warnings are regularly issued as the Lech can be unpredictable. The gravel banks below the Lady Herkomer Footbridge are among the most popular bathing spots in Landsberg. However, bathing here is at your own risk. “The Lech is and remains dangerous,” said the chairman of the district water rescue service, Frank Böhm, to our newspaper.
Bathing at the Lech weir in the Landsberg city center is completely prohibited. The Lech steps are a popular excursion destination and photo motif, but far too dangerous for swimming.
The Lech River in Augsburg
The warnings for the Lech naturally also apply to the bathing spots in Augsburg. Apart from the river’s currents, the city of Augsburg points out that the Lech, Wertach, and the city’s canals are not tested for cleanliness, and the hygienic water quality is subject to strong fluctuations. With few exceptions, bathing in the city canals is prohibited anyway. Anyone caught violating this ban can expect a fine.
In Augsburg, the Lech is heavily developed with dams and weirs. The current is particularly strong around such structures. One should absolutely not enter the water here.
The Gartnersee in Gundelfingen
The Gartnersee in Gundelfingen is currently closed due to an infestation of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). An increased concentration of cyanobacteria was detected there. These can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritations or earaches, among other things. Swallowing the water can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Recently, there was also a fatal accident at the lake. A 23-year-old did not resurface after jumping from the diving platform and later died in the hospital. In Dillingen, people are therefore asking themselves with concern this summer whether swimming skills are declining – self-overestimation is one of the most common causes of swimming accidents.
The Danube near Neuburg
The Danube, like the Lech, is often treacherous as a flowing body of water. Fatal swimming accidents also occur here repeatedly; most recently, in the summer of 2024, two young men died after being caught and swept away by the current.
The Danube has a strong suction effect in some places; in some areas, the entry into the water is shallow but then drops off rapidly. Those who are not strong swimmers and are unfamiliar with the waterbody can quickly find themselves in danger here.
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