In recent weeks, there have been increasing reports of people swimming, bathing and jumping into the water from the Stolp Bridge over the Stolp Canal (Rüdersdorf waterways).
We would like to emphasise that this is prohibited and involves considerable risks.
The Stolp Bridge is situated in a bend in the waterway. As a result, vessels can approach without being spotted in good time by swimmers. There is a risk of serious collisions with passing vessels.
What’s more, jumping off bridges is always life-threatening. The height of the jump, unknown water depths, currents or obstacles in the water can lead to extremely serious injuries. Even a single jump can have lifelong consequences – such as severe spinal injuries, including paraplegia – or, in the worst-case scenario, prove fatal.
Under the Inland Waterways Regulations (§ 8.10), swimming, bathing and jumping from bridges, as well as within 100 metres before and after bridges, are expressly prohibited.
Dear parents: Please talk to your children about the dangers and make them aware that swimming and jumping off the Stolp Bridge is extremely dangerous.
Dear children and young people: Courage doesn’t mean taking risks. Please don’t jump off the bridge and only swim in designated swimming areas. That way, you’ll be keeping yourselves and others safe.
Naturally, all of this also applies explicitly to all other bridges within the local authority area!
Thank you very much for your understanding and support.