Low water levels can mask the risks of swimming – meanwhile, construction of the new lifeguard station begins at Lake Eicher
The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) in Pfungstadt is warning of dangers in the Rhine River due to the current low water levels. Especially on weekends, the water rescue service is repeatedly observing people bathing or swimming in the Rhine between Biebesheim and Gernsheim. The low water level can create a false sense of security.
"The Rhine is a dangerous body of water with many currents and eddies. These are more pronounced at low water levels. In addition, the shipping channel is relatively close to the shore," explains Dirk Kopp, Technical Director of the DLRG Pfungstadt (German Life Saving Association). Passing ships also create suction and waves that can endanger even experienced swimmers.
The Pfungstadt branch of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) regularly patrols the Rhine as part of its stationary water rescue service, raising awareness of the river's dangers. During the rescue season, the motor rescue boat "Karl-Essbach" is permanently moored at the jetty of the lifeguard station on Lake Eicher.
The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) warns of dangers in the Rhine
According to the German Lifesaving Association's (DLRG) interim report, 261 people had drowned nationwide by July 31, 2026. 188 of these deaths occurred in rivers or lakes. In Hesse, twelve people lost their lives, eight of them in a river, according to the organization.
According to its own statement, the DLRG Pfungstadt has so far been spared any major incidents this season. However, there have been deployments for technical assistance, first aid, and safety measures, among other things.
Construction of the lifeguard station at Eicher Lake begins
Meanwhile, work has begun on the new lifeguard station at Eicher See. Following the completion of detailed surveying, the foundations for a nine-by-six-meter container structure are currently being constructed. The containers are scheduled to be installed by the end of the lifeguard season and then furnished by the volunteers in the fall.
Until then, the security teams will work on weekends and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a two by two meter container in which the most important materials are housed.
On Saturday, August 22nd, the youth emergency response team will also hold a training weekend with an overnight stay in tents. "Our board and our active team are very pleased that construction work is finally starting at Eicher Lake. Together with the newly launched youth emergency response team, this gives us momentum for the future," says the chairman of the local group, Holger Heisel.
Further information
Statistics on drowning, interim report 2026 from the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG): www.dlrg.de
And for Hesse: www.dlrg.de/hessen
(RED/PM/Mareike Strauch)
Featured image: Lifeguard Sven Emich, helmsman Marco Fehlhaber, not pictured: boat operator Juliane Strauch on the way to a patrol on the Rhine. DLRG Darmstadt-Dieburg District, Pfungstadt Local Group.
Featured image: Construction site on the property at Eicher See. DLRG Darmstadt-Dieburg District, Pfungstadt Local Group.
