Rescue operation in the Rhine: Who pays for the dangerous jumps?

Rescue operation in the Rhine: Who pays for the dangerous jumps?

Last weekend, several men had to be rescued from the Rhine after jumping into the water for various reasons. The first incident occurred when a drunk man jumped from the Theodor Heuss Bridge and was then rescued by a large contingent of 40 emergency services. Another operation became necessary at the WeinUfer festival in Mainz when a man also jumped into the water and had to be rescued. These incidents raise questions about the cost of rescue operations.

The costs of such rescue operations can vary greatly and depend on the number of forces and equipment used. Loud daily news The water police charge 70 euros per officer per hour, plus the costs for the vehicles. The DLRG (German Life Saving Society) says its emergency vehicles cost between 40 and 65 euros per hour, while volunteers can charge between 35 and 50 euros per hour. Particularly high expenses can be incurred when using rescue helicopters, which can quickly reach five-figure amounts.

Assumption of costs and liability

Another aspect is liability during rescue operations. The costs of a rescue operation must usually be borne by those responsible if gross negligence or intent is proven. The DLRG emphasizes that people who are in danger should call the emergency number without worrying about the costs involved. However, in the event of violations of prohibitions, such as “no swimming” signs, the costs may be passed on to those affected.

The water police explained that they do not charge for every operation because rescue measures are generally mandatory. In the specific case mentioned, the man who jumped from the bridge could be held liable for the helicopter costs. This highlights the importance of acting responsibly, especially on waters with strong currents.

Dangers when swimming in the Rhine

The DLRG warns urgently about the dangers of swimming in the Rhine. The currents in particular can be life-threatening. There is no general ban on swimming in the Rhine, as such a measure would be difficult to enforce. However, every swimmer should be aware of the risks and take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.

In the event of a fall into the Rhine, the DLRG gives some tips on how to behave: stay calm, turn on your back and let yourself drift with the current while calling for help. These simple tips can be crucial in a critical situation.

The incidents of the past few days should serve as both a warning and a reminder of the importance of safety when dealing with water.