37-year-old goes under in Binsfeldsee in Speyer – City imposes swimming ban

The specialist water protection unit used sonar technology to search the body of water, and fire service divers from Ludwigshafen also took part in the rescue operation. An extensive rescue operation was called off without success after several hours.

Investigations and search

The criminal police have launched investigations into the course of the incident. According to the city, the exact cause of the swimmer's distress remains unclear.

In the northwestern area of the lake, entering the water has been prohibited "with immediate effect" following the incident, the city's public order authority said. Swimming and water sports are therefore banned. The ban applies for the time being for an indefinite period.

Swimming ban and background on the lake

Beaches are designated along its shores where swimming is permitted. The Binsfeldsee was created through gravel extraction; the body of water covers an area of about 20 hectares and has a maximum depth of 19 meters.

The city of Speyer warns swimmers to stay exclusively in the designated beach areas and to observe the cordons in the northwest of the lake. Swimming is prohibited in one area of the lake for the time being.

The incident occurred on a hot summer day on which many people visit the swimming spots around the Binsfeldsee. Rescue services and authorities remain deployed to assess the situation and consider possible further measures.