In Switzerland, river swimming is a big part of summer. What about where you live?

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In my work, I focus on topics that are relevant to Swiss citizens abroad – from political developments in Switzerland and their impact on the diaspora to social, economic, and cultural issues. Before joining SWI swissinfo.ch, I worked as a local journalist for the Aargauer Zeitung. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Multilingual Communication and, as is typically Swiss, completed an apprenticeship as a commercial employee.

Deutsch

In der Schweiz gehört Flussschwimmen zum Sommer. Wie ist das in Ihrem Wohnland? Original
Italiano

In Svizzera fare il bagno nei fiumi è una tipica attività estiva. È così anche nel Paese in cui vivete?
Español

En Suiza, bañarse en los ríos forma parte del verano. ¿Y en su país?
日本語

川で泳ぐ夏、あなたの国では？
中文

在瑞士不下河游泳就等于没过夏天，在你们那儿也是这样吗？

For many people in Switzerland, summer wouldn’t be summer without swimming in rivers like the Aare or Rhine. Some go for a quick float during their lunch break, others pack their things into a waterproof bag, jump in, and only get back out again much further downstream.

Is this also part of summer in the country where you live? If yes, where and how do people do it? And if no, why not? Is it because of water quality issues, strong currents, climate, infrastructure, or simply culture?

Let us know.

LostInParidice 2026-08-02 23:02

I live near the Lima River in Portugal where the river is usually low in the summer. It's a great temptation to slip in for a refreshing swim,but I was warned not to do so. When the river is high after a lot of rain, it s currents dig tunnels into the muddy bottom. One can get caught in a whirl pool, sucked down under the surface, carried into a tunnel and never be seen again. So the city has built a swimming pool next to the river and provides a lifeguard.

Buchfink 40 2026-08-02 11:20

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

River swimming begins on 11 August 26 in Basel (Rhine) (__The next city swim will take place on 15 August 26 in Solothurn (Aare)____Kind regards____Wilhelm Kaiser

Das Flussschwimmen begint am 11.Aug,26 in Basel (Rhein(__Das nächste Stadtschwimmen erfolgt am 15.Aug.26 in Solothurn ( Aare)____Mit freundlichen Grüssen____Wilhelm Kaiser

Funzeli 2026-07-15 11:51

In my home country, Ö, it’s not the norm! I myself had the chance to swim in the Aare of my own accord, and in the Rhine near Basel – albeit against my will – whilst on a rubber dinghy trip!__I considered myself a good, fit swimmer. That’s why I had ‘more’ than a little respect for the Aare when I got in! I promptly missed the first exit point, as the strong current took me by surprise AND I ‘wanted’ to be carried further along, as it was a marvellous feeling. That lesson I learnt on the Rhine back then probably saved my life and that of a friend later on. I think it’s important to include this in training programmes. Why? During floods, even if you’re only there as a volunteer, acting in the wrong way can have serious consequences. Once your instincts kick in, you stand a better chance. Not ALL, but many. These days, often all it takes is a heavy downpour – the water doesn’t even have to be high. That’s why you really should know (rather than just assume) just how powerful water can be..... I was only recently given the absurd instruction to remove a fallen tree from a torrent next to my house myself… if it’s bothering ME! Yes… exactly… My name is Ver Klaus-Ung…

In meinem Wohnland Ö ist es nicht üblich! Ich selbst hatte die Gelegenheit in der Aare freiwillig zu schwimmen und im Rhein bei Basel bei einer Schlauchbootfahrt unfreiwillig!__Selbst erachtete ich mich als gute und trainierte Schwimmerin. Deshalb hatte ich beim Einstieg in die Aare 'mehr' als Respekt! Prompt versäumte ich den ersten Ausstieg, da mich die starke Strömung überraschte UND ich weiter getrieben werden 'wollte', da es ein herrliches Gefühl war. Vermutlich hat mir und einer Freundin später diese damals gelernte Lektion im Rhein das Leben gerettet. Ich fände es wichtig dies in Lehrprogramne aufzunehmen. Warum? Bei Hochwasser, auch wenn man nur als Helfer zugegen wäre, kann falsches Verhalten schlimme Folgen haben. Ist der Instinkt einmal aktiviert, hat man bessere Chancen. Nicht ALLE aber viele. Oft genügt heute schon ein Starkregen und das Wasser muss gar nicht hoch sein. Da sollte man schon wissen (und weniger glauben) über welche Kraft Wasser verfügt..... Ich habe erst vor kurzem die unmögliche Anweisung erhalten, einen umgestürzten Baum in einem Wildbach neben meinem Haus selbst zu entfernen.... Falls er MICH stört! Ja.....genau...... Mein Name ist Ver Klaus-Ung.....

Jorg Hiker 2026-07-14 13:31

In some cities in the south of the USA and Australia, trying to swim in a city river may result in being consumed by an alligator or a crocodile. Very few cities worldwide have rivers clean and safe enough to swim in safely.

In Switzerland, river swimming is a big part of summer. What about where you live?

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