It may seem like a tempting way to cool off on hot days, but jumping from bridges into water poses serious risks.
The Dangers of Bridge Jumping
Bridges often appear shorter than they are. The impact with the water can cause severe injuries like broken bones or a collapsed lung. Canal water is typically murky, concealing depths and hazards such as abandoned bicycles on the bottom that can cause harm.
The Dangers of Swimming in Canals As warm weather arrives, Rijkswaterstaat urges caution: swimming in rivers and canals is prohibited in most areas and highly dangerous. Ships generate strong currents or whirlpools, swimmers are barely visible from decks, and vessels can't stop or turn quickly. Water temperatures vary, potentially causing cramps or hypothermia even in seasoned swimmers.
