Safe into the water: Tips for the ongoing bathing season The district administration provides monthly information on the topic of emergency preparedness. This time, it is about recommendations for staying in and around bathing waters.

Oberbergischer Kreis. Summer, sun, water: The reservoirs and waters in the Oberberg district offer a wide range of opportunities for relaxation and recreational sports. To ensure that a swimming trip is not spoiled, the Oberberg district provides important recommendations for action.

Swimming should only take place at official bathing sites. These are located at the Agger, Bever, Brucher, and Lingese reservoirs. Swimming bans and barriers must be strictly observed!

“Safety in and around water is a shared responsibility. Those who realistically assess their own abilities, show consideration, and follow simple safety rules can help prevent accidents and act correctly in emergencies,” explains Birgit Hähn, Head of Safety and Order at the district administration.
 

Important tips for a safe stay by, on, and in the water:
 

• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol: Alcohol impairs perception and reaction ability. The risk of overestimating one's abilities increases.
   
• Enter the water slowly: The body should acclimatize to the water temperature. It is advisable to cool down before swimming.
   
• Realistically assess your own abilities: Even experienced swimmers can reach their limits in open waters. Distances and return routes are easily underestimated.
   
• Only enter the water where swimming is permitted: Warning signs and barriers must be strictly observed.
   
• Leave the water immediately during a thunderstorm: Swimming during a thunderstorm is life-threatening.
   
• Always keep an eye on children in and near the water: Swimming aids such as air mattresses or inflatable animals do not replace supervision.
   
• Show consideration: Pushing, shoving, and dunking can cause dangerous situations.
   
• Anyone using a watercraft or sports equipment should familiarize themselves with local rules and conditions in advance.
   

In an emergency: Call 112 and do not put yourself in danger

If someone is in distress in the water, the emergency number 112 should be called immediately! It is important to describe the emergency location as precisely as possible.

At the same time, no one should put themselves at risk during a rescue attempt. If possible, rescue equipment or floating objects should be used from the shore. Jumping into the water to assist a panicked or exhausted person can also be life-threatening for the rescuer. 

DLRG on site

“My special thanks go to everyone who ensures safety at the bathing sites. This explicitly includes the volunteer forces of the DLRG, who are committed to water rescue and the safety of people in the Oberberg district,” says Birgit Hähn.

The DLRG is active with its volunteer forces at the reservoirs in the Oberberg district and during operations within the district. With 13 local groups, it is also involved in swimming and lifesaving training. Eight units and around 100 emergency personnel are engaged in hazard prevention in the Oberberg district and in disaster management in North Rhine-Westphalia.

In a current video on the social media channels of the Oberberg district, the DLRG district of Oberbergischer Kreis e.V. provides insights into its work and tips for staying at bathing waters.

Bathing water quality

The health department of the Oberberg district monitors the water quality at official bathing sites monthly during the bathing season. The latest test results can be viewed at www.obk.de/badegewaesser and are also posted directly on-site.