Huge swimming fun: Big Jump for clean rivers in Hann. Münden!

Huge swimming fun: Big Jump for clean rivers in Hann. Münden!

Hann. Münden, Deutschland - on July 12, 2025 takes place in Hann. The international day of river swimming, also known as "Big Jump", Münden took place. This initiative not only offers a platform for around 50 swimmers that venture on a distance of about 9 kilometers from the Weserstein to Vaake (Hessen), but also sets a strong sign for water protection. The event will be in Hann for the twelfth time. Münden organizes and is part of a broader engagement that should sensitize people to the challenges of our rivers in more than 70 cities. This year, participants take the challenge and swim at a joint event that is not about the competition, but about the awareness of clean water.

The event begins at 2:00 p.m. on the Weserstein, the point from which the swimmers compete their route. In order to ensure the safety of the participants, helpers from the Technical Relief Agency (THW), the German Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG) and the Wasserwacht of the German Red Cross are available. It is important that all participants who venture into the water have safe swimming skills. However, the participation fee of 10 euros flows as a donation to the aid organizations and shows the social aspect of such a sporting event.

problematic condition of the waters

The need for such actions is underlined by the alarming water quality in Lower Saxony. According to reports, the majority of the rivers, streams and meadows in the region are classified as badly damaged - only 3% are in good condition. This is illustrated by the reports from the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the BUND, which indicate the problems with salt and pollutants made of fertilizers and water. In particular, the rivers Werra, Fulda and Weser have to deal with drastic environmental pollution.

The EU guidelines require an improvement in water quality by 2027-a goal that, according to the Ministry of Lower Saxony, is not considered to be implemented. The risk that blue algae in the waters will multiply during the summer should also not be underestimated, as they are poisonous for humans and animals. These grievances illustrate how important it is to take measures to develop water development and care in the future.

The role of the water alliance in Lower Saxony

In order to achieve ecological goals in Lower Saxony, the "Lower Saxony water alliance" was founded. This initiative has set itself the goal of developing and implementing concrete measures for natural water design. Current ratings show that about 60% of the water body are classified as unsatisfactory or poorly classified. The focus is on improving hydromorphology and the continuousness of the water so that they can regenerate better.

The water alliance works closely with various entertainment associations and water management organizations. Even if funding is provided, the implementation of the necessary measures has remained behind the expectations. Professional “carers” are necessary to promote the lengthy process of water development.

With the "Big Jump", not only sport is done; It is an important step to raise awareness of the habitats in our rivers and shows that the protection of waters is more urgent than ever. Each participant helps us pay a little more attention to the rivers and you will be very popular again in our society!