As a flowing body of water, the Rhine is associated with dangers and risks, especially for inexperienced swimmers and children.

Please observe the recommended swimming areas. Swimming is strictly prohibited before and after the lock in Birsfelden, and in all harbor areas. Large ships in the danger zone cannot avoid swimmers!

There's a lot going on in and on the Rhine: Be careful, not just downstream! Keep your distance from others and obstacles in the water. Be considerate of other uses (e.g. boats, canoes).

The flotation bag provides good visibility and is practical. Tying it to your body is risky. If it gets caught on chains, buoys, and the like, it can be life-threatening.

Jumping from bridges and landing stages is prohibited. It also poses a danger to others. Furthermore, jumping into cold water can have dangerous consequences due to the temperature difference.

Swimming aids of any kind (water wings, air mattresses, rubber boats, etc.) are prohibited in the Rhine.

Do not swim in the Rhine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Recommended preparation for swimming in the Rhine:

• Only swim if you can swim well and not alone;
• Only swim when the water temperature is above 18 degrees Celsius;
• Only swim when the water quality is good;
• Check the water level; it is recommended that you only swim when the flow rate is below 1500m3/second or the water level is below 6.50 metres, as currents and driftwood are possible dangers when there is a lot of water;
• Choose a suitable route and adapt it to your strength and the water temperature;
• Do not swim in bad weather or thunderstorms.

BachApp

You can find lots of information about the Rhine in the BachApp. The app also provides information about the other waterways in Basel, an FAQ and information about events on, in and around the water.

Supervised swimming in the Rhine

Every Tuesday from July to mid-September, you can be accompanied by trained lifeguards from the SLRG Basel and Oberwil as you swim in the Rhine free of charge. The meeting point is at 5.45 pm below the Tinguely Museum at the blue flag of the sports office. The participants will swim together to the Wettstein Bridge.

In order to plan the right number of lifeguards, we look forward to receiving your free registration. 

Official «Basel Rhine Swim»

The official «Basel Rhine Swim» takes place once a year and has a long tradition. Up to 5,000 swimmers float through Basel. They are accompanied by lifeguards from the Swiss Lifesaving Association.

If you are travelling on the Rhine by weidling, kayak or SUP, you should stay close to the shore. You should avoid shipping and harbour zones for safety reasons. 

SUP athletes are required to wear life jackets and provide identification (name and contact information). Further information about Basel's water sports on the Rhine can be found in the BachApp, among other places.

The «heRheinspaziert» event takes place once a year. Interested parties can get an insight into water sports around the Rhine and can arrange trial training sessions with local clubs.

Find information about boat trips on the Rhine here.