Bathing rules

Bathing rules are principles of conduct that water rescue organizations give bathers for their own safety and that of third parties.

Germany

In Germany they are published by the two largest water rescue organizations, the water rescue service in the German Red Cross and the German Life Saving Society (DLRG). In addition, both organizations have drawn up ice rules that indicate the correct behavior on ice surfaces.

In Germany, knowledge of the bathing rules is a prerequisite for all early swimmers and swimming badges .

Bathing rules of the DLRG

Only go for a swim when you are comfortable. Cool off and shower before getting in the water.
Never go into the water on a full or empty stomach.
As a non-swimmer, only go up to your stomach in the water.
Never call for help unless you are really in danger, but help others when they need help.
Do not overestimate yourself and your strength.
Do not bathe where ships and boats go.
Swimming is life-threatening during a thunderstorm. Get out of the water immediately and go to a permanent building.
Keep the water and its surroundings clean, throw trash in the trash.
Inflatable swimming aids do not offer you safety in the water.
Only jump into the water when it is free and deep enough.

Switzerland

Prevention rules

The 4 × 6 prevention rules of the Swiss Lifesaving Society SLRG form the basis for the prevention of water accidents in Switzerland .

6 bathing rules

Only let children go to the water when accompanied - supervise small children within easy reach!
Never go into the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs! Never swim on a full or empty stomach.
Never jump into the water overheated! - The body needs time to adapt.
Do not jump into cloudy or unfamiliar waters! - The unknown can be dangerous.
Air mattresses and swimming aids do not belong in deep water! - You don't provide security.
Never swim long distances alone! - Even the best-trained body can suffer from weakness.

6 flow rules

Inflatable rafters must be equipped with a life jacket!
The payload stated on the boat must not be exceeded.
Do not tie boats together! - You are no longer maneuverable.
Unknown sections of the river have to be explored before the trip!
Only good and experienced swimmers venture into open waters (rivers, ponds and lakes).
Hypothermia can lead to muscle cramps. The colder the water, the shorter the stay in the water!

6 ice rules

Only enter ice rinks if they have been approved by the authorities.
Rescue equipment (ladders, poles, rings, balls, lines, etc.) are not toys.
The instructions of the regulatory bodies and the authorities must be strictly observed.
If cracks form, caused by the onset of thaw, mass accumulations must be avoided.
Self-rescue if the ice falls! - Immediately spread your arms and try to get out in the same direction as you came from.
Ice fall! - Alert other helpers immediately and only approach the intruder in prone position and with a rescue device.

6 rules of freediving

Never dive alone - supervise your fellow divers.
Only dive when you are comfortable - drugs and addictive substances affect your body.
Do not dive with swimming goggles or earplugs - using the wrong equipment is dangerous.
Breathe normally before diving - hyperventilating is life-threatening.
Only breathe on the surface of the water - avoid taking in foreign air underwater.
Don't be daring - don't take risks.

Water messages

As part of the prevention campaign “The Water and Me”, the water drop “Pico” visits Swiss kindergartens and conveys the following 10 water messages:

Sun protection: I apply cream half an hour beforehand and go to the shade at noon.
Say where I am: I tell my companions where I am going.
Eating and drinking: Pay attention to eating and drinking.
Showering: I go to the toilet before bathing - I shower before bathing and cool off.
Belly-deep water: I stay in belly-deep water until I can swim well - I let myself be accompanied when swimming long distances.
Goodbye toys: I stay on the bank, even if my favorite toy falls into the water and swims away.
Rescue equipment: Only need rescue equipment in an emergency - I see where they are.
Call for help if necessary: I only call for help in an emergency.
Look where I'm jumping: I only jump into waters that I know and when I am not endangering anyone.
Drying off: I leave the water when I freeze - dry off well after bathing.

Austria

The general bathing rules in Austria are:

Pay attention to the water temperature!
Never jump into the water heated!
Don't bathe on a full stomach!
Do not go into the water overtired!
Never swim or dive in the area of jump facilities!
Don't run around the edge of the pool!
Get out of the water immediately if you freeze!
Never push others into the water!
Leave the water before a storm, spray or thunderstorm!
Do not go into the water under the influence of medication, alcohol or drugs!
As a non-swimmer, NEVER use inflatable floats as a swimming aid!
Never jump into unknown or murky waters!
Observe warnings, restrictions, buoys and barriers!
Do not dive with a damaged eardrum or a cold!
Avoid aquatic plants!
Avoid weirs and whirlpools!
Never bathe alone!
In an emergency, call out loud for help in good time!
Pay attention to the special dangers at and in the sea!
Stay away from watercraft!
Do not jump into a comrade, it can cost his life!
For hygienic reasons, do not urinate in bodies of water or in baths, use a toilet !
Pay attention to a safe distance from a dam , waterfall , rapids , weir : every suction is dangerous!
When sliding in the adventure pool , make sure that you do not slide any differently than prescribed on the information board (should be properly positioned for every slide)!
Never slide in a tire slide without a slip tire - this carelessness can lead to serious injuries!

Web links

Individual evidence

^ The bathing rules of the DLRG , accessed on July 10, 2018
↑ Bathing rules - all important safety tips | DLRG eV Accessed June 9, 2020 .
↑ 4 x 6 prevention rules , accessed on July 30, 2015
↑ 10 Water Messages for Children , accessed July 30, 2015

[1] The bathing rules of the DLRG , accessed on July 10, 2018

[2] Bathing rules - all important safety tips | DLRG eV Accessed June 9, 2020 .

[3] 4 x 6 prevention rules , accessed on July 30, 2015

[4] 10 Water Messages for Children , accessed July 30, 2015