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Staying safe in and on the River Aare
In the summertime, the Bernese love strolling up along the river and then hopping in to float through the city. But what seems fun and simple can actually be quite dangerous. To make sure everyone stays safe in the river, we’ve compiled a list of the most important tips and facts.
Swimming in the River Aare is only recommended for experienced swimmers at their own risk. Safety tips and important (and possibly life-saving) information can be found here.
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Little swimmers, big river
Never let children go into the Aare unattended. Small ones especially should always be within reach. This way, taking a refreshing dip in the river is not only fun, but also safe.
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Take to the water slowly
The River Aare is quite cold – make sure you give your body enough time to adjust! Entering by cannonball is maybe not the greatest idea. The best way to do it is by splashing yourself with some water first and then getting in slowly.
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Clear water – clear thing
The beauty of the Aare is that it is a natural river. But this also means that its ground is covered in rocks and the like – which you can’t always see, especially on days when the water is not clear. Save the “Chöpfler” (diving in head-first) for the deep end of a pool and get into the river carefully.
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It’s always better when we’re together
Taking some time for yourself is important – but not while swimming in the Aare. You should never swim long distances alone, because even the strongest swimmer can experience a moment of weakness.
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Floaties don’t make you a better swimmer
We get that pool floats in the shape of a flamingo, unicorn or avocado are a lot of fun (and not to mention highly instagrammable). But while they might make swimming easier, they do not make it safer, so they don’t belong in deep waters. The same goes for Aarebags.
Information on approved personal flotation devices as well as a buoyancy aid can be found here.
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All aboard
“Aareböötle”, floating down the river in an inflatable boat, is part of the Aare experience. But there are several things you need to keep in mind. Careful planning and the right equipment are especially important. We’ve gathered everything you need to know for a fun and safe day on the river, from checklists to useful information to safety tips.
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Swim first, drink later
Yes, all those cool pop-up bars along the Aare with their colourful drinks and relaxed atmosphere are tempting. Which is why we would never tell you not to go. BUT, and this is really important: alcohol and swimming in or boating on the river don’t go together. So save the cold beers for after your swim. The same goes for food: don’t go swimming on a full stomach. But we’ve known that since our first trip to the pool with mum and dad as kids.
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