Swimming without risk

Pay attention to warning signs

A sunny day by the water—what could be better? If you want to cool off in the refreshing water, it’s important to take certain precautions to avoid swimming accidents. Natural bodies of water can present hazards such as currents, varying water depths, or sudden cold temperatures. "Especially remote swimming spots are often unsupervised. Swimmers should pay attention to any warning, prohibition, and information signs that may be present," advises Helena Biewer. It's safer to swim at designated swimming areas with lifeguards who can intervene in emergencies. Additionally, it's crucial to swim only in marked swimming zones and to maintain a safe distance from boats and water sports equipment like jet skis.

Do not underestimate waves and currents

Open waters can be unpredictable. A calm surface can quickly become dangerous due to strong currents, sudden winds, or temperature changes. Biewer advises swimmers not to venture out too far and to realistically assess their strength. If weather conditions change, they should leave the water immediately. If caught in a current, it's important to stay calm and not swim against it. "It's better to let yourself be carried for a moment and try to swim sideways out of the current," the ERGO accident expert explains. Caution is also required at the shore: rocks, steep banks, or cliffs can be hazardous due to slippery surfaces or unclear water depths. "Cliff diving is absolutely forbidden," Biewer adds.

Beware of animals, plants, and sharp objects

Swimmers should also be prepared for unpleasant encounters with animals, plants, or sharp objects in the water. While most are harmless, there are several precautions swimmers should take to avoid injuries. "If there are a lot of jellyfish around, it's better to stay out of the water," advises Biewer. Contact with their tentacles can lead to painful skin reactions. Those affected should remain calm, swim to the shore, and rinse the area with seawater, vinegar, or lemon juice. Cooling the area can help alleviate pain. "If someone experiences severe pain, swelling, or circulatory issues, they should seek medical attention," the accident expert warns. There are also dangers in freshwater: swimmers can get tangled in weeds, sharp stones or glass shards can cause cuts. Therefore, Biewer recommends wearing water shoes, which provide reliable protection in unpredictable terrain.

What do the flags mean?

At many supervised swimming spots, flags indicate the current swimming conditions. "A red-yellow flag means that lifeguards are present and monitoring the water," explains Biewer. If a yellow flag is raised, swimmers can enter the water, but at their own risk. "Especially older individuals or children should be particularly cautious at this time," the accident expert advises. A red flag signals a complete swimming ban. Conversely, a blue flag indicates excellent water quality and compliance with certain environmental standards.

Always Keep an Eye on Children

For children, water often represents the greatest adventure during a vacation. However, the youngest often underestimate the dangers present in pools, lakes, rivers, or the sea. "That’s why children must learn to swim," says Biewer. Even those with a beginner's swimming certificate should never be left in the water unsupervised. "Inflatable mattresses or rubber toys are not suitable swimming aids, as they can easily drift away," the ERGO expert adds. Parents should be especially vigilant when the water is choppy or the ground conditions change quickly. Children who unexpectedly lose their balance or swallow water may panic. The accident expert recommends that on the first day of swimming, parents take the time to familiarize themselves with the area, explore the surroundings, and point out potential hazards to their children.