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Eisbachbaden: Harmless fun or deadly gambling?
The Eisbach in the English Garden attracts many people despite the ban on swimming. But the currents pose a danger to life.
Eisbachbaden: Harmless fun or deadly gambling?
The Eisbachrunde in the English Garden is a popular meeting place for Munich residents and tourists on warm summer days. But as pleasant as the bathing pleasure looks, it is also dangerous. Loud T Online Swimming in the Eisbach is prohibited and poses a significant risk to life. The Bavarian Palace Administration (BSV) has put up warning signs and carries out regular checks, but many, especially young people and families, ignore the ban and jump into the water when the weather is good.
The dangers in the Eisbach are diverse. Strong currents and undercurrents as well as several thresholds and a dangerous weir make swimming there extremely risky. Accidents occur again and again, and they don't always end well. A fatal event in which a 33-year-old surfer tragically died in April has reignited the discussion about the dangers in the Eisbach. After this incident, surfing on the wave at Haus der Kunst was banned while the public prosecutor's investigation is still ongoing. Protests from the surfing scene brought the topic further into the media, but the wave remains closed. Swimmers downstream are not affected by this regulation, but are also in an extremely dangerous area.
The role of warnings
Loud Bavarian Radio The current warning sign that indicates the danger of swimming is criticized. It is only in German, which could be a problem for many tourists. The visibility of the pictograms also leaves something to be desired; they are small and partially hidden by nettles. Although the BSV takes care of the maintenance of the signs, it remains unclear whether the last inspections took place in time before a recently reported missing person case.
The dangers are particularly pronounced for young men between the ages of 20 and 30, as forest rangers warn. Overwhelm and overestimation of one's own abilities are common causes of accidents. Peer pressure can lead to even inexperienced swimmers entering the very dangerous waters. The DLRG emphasizes that swimming in the Eisbach should only be done with experienced companions.
Practical advice for swimmers
For all those who still want to take on the challenge in the Eisbach, there are some important tips. The entrance is at the pedestrian bridge behind the large Eisbachwelle, while the exit is about 100 meters before the small Eisbachwelle at the Tivoli Bridge. Swimmers should be aware of the strong current and be careful to avoid obstacles such as broken glass in the water. Even after re-entering, you should make sure to get to one of the exit ladders quickly so as not to put your life in danger.
In summary, despite its inviting appearance, the Eisbach poses a serious danger. It is everyone's responsibility to heed the warnings and always pay attention to their safety. Enjoying swimming in the Eisbach should not come at the expense of your own health or even your life, as recent painful events have shown.