Bremen says no to bathing islands: security is going on!

Bremen says no to bathing islands: security is going on!

Huchting, Deutschland - The well-known bathroom islands in the Bultensee in Bremen-Tenever and in the Sodenmattsee in Huchting are in front of that. This decision was recently made because the security concerns via the dilapidated platforms can no longer be ignored. According to a spokesman for the German life rescue company ( Buten ), many swimmers overestimate their skills, which leads to an increased number of rescue operations.

The last two islands of bath of this kind in Bremen are to be dismantled in July 2025. While the platform in the Sodenmattsee is immediately removed, it is first pulled ashore in the Bultensee and then checked for damage. These measures follow the information from the DLRG and local office manager, who have pointed out a growing potential for danger. The decision was not easy, but gives space to a clear need for security.

popular but dangerous attractions

The platforms were always very popular with bathers. However, the number of bathing accidents related to these platforms has assumed alarming proportions. Again and again the DLRG suffers an increase in operations because many bathers are not aware of their swimming skills. In the Sodenmattsee, too, it was recently pointed out that the platforms are not only ailing, but also in the Achterdieksee a platform had to be removed for similar reasons - the wood was rotten and no longer safe.

swimmers threaten injuries in the flat bank areas, especially when jumping. Over the years, security measures, such as moving the platforms closer to the beach, have turned out to be not practical. The DLRG even tried to block the platforms, but the success is missing. The costs for the dismantling and disposal of the platforms are between 2500 and 3300 euros, an investment that is necessary to avoid possible accidents in the future.

a worrying trend

The context for these developments is alarming: According to a DLRG report, bathing accidents are at a high level throughout Germany. In 2024, at least 411 people drowned, the highest point since 2019. It is particularly frightening that almost half of these accidents occurred in the summer months. The feeling of security when bathing is put to the test by such sad statistics, and many people have asked themselves how safe the bathroom infrastructures really are.

The DLRG President Ute Vogt emphasizes that a high percentage of victims was over 50 years old and therefore have to focus on health problems in hot summer months and bathing. It is essential to improve security when bathing, especially where natural waters are used.

The degradation actions of the platforms in Bultensee and Sodenmattsee could be an important step to minimize potential dangers and to ensure the safety of the swimmers. Even if the attractiveness of such platforms for bathers is undeniable, it is ultimately the security that must be an absolute priority. The focus on safe bathing conditions is considered essential by the DLRG to prevent future tragedies.