The Local Switzerland

How to stay safe when swimming in Switzerland's lakes and rivers this summer

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 13:23:49 +0200

Switzerland is blessed with a huge variety of lakes and rivers that are perfect for bathing and swimming. But with a number of fatal incidents already hitting the news this summer, we look at the best way to swim in safety.

What are the rules for swimming in Swiss mountain lakes?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:47:36 +0200

During heatwaves, there is nothing more refreshing than plunging into the (relatively) cool waters of Switzerland’s lakes. But is swimming in Alpine lakes allowed — and if so, under what conditions?

Thousands jump in Geneva lake amid freezing cold weather

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:29:41 +0100

Freezing temperatures did not dampen the mood Saturday as thousands of people dressed up as superheroes and other characters, ceremoniously walked to the shores of Lake Geneva, and jumped in.

Zurich's 'Badis' open to all swimmers again from today

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 15:51:08 +0200

Zurich’s public baths - or ‘Badis’ - can open without restrictions from today onwards. Here’s what to expect.

Finally: Geneva's new free public beach opens

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 12:37:25 +0200

Geneva's long-awaited Eaux-Vives beach officially opened last Friday, nearly a decade after plans were first unveiled.

Zurich extends summer swimming pool season by nine weeks

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:20:21 +0100

Zurich will be testing out a longer summer season and extended hours at some of the city's swimming pools this year in a move designed to better meet the needs of residents.

Geneva bans burkini and topless bathing in city’s swimming pools

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 12:47:59 +0100

Geneva authorities on Tuesday voted in favour of a new rule defining the attire people may use to swim in the city’s pools after a long-running argument.

Slides into the river Aare? Now there’s an idea...

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 11:31:42 +0200

Bern residents know there’s nothing better than a swim in the river Aare on a hot summer’s day.

Swiss socialists call for crackdown on 'hipster food' at public pools

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 18:05:02 +0200

Swiss summer days call for lounging around by the pool, but in the city of Bern, a debate over poolside snacks has become political.

Swimmers warned after aggressive beaver attacks two in Swiss river

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:31:02 +0200

The authorities in the northern Swiss city of Schaffhausen are warning the public from swimming in a popular bathing spot on the river Rhine after two members of the public were bitten by a beaver.

Spaniard breaks record for Lake Geneva swim

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:28:15 +0200

A Spaniard has broken the record for swimming the length of Lake Geneva, tackling the 83km swim from Villeneuve to Geneva in 22 hours and 39 minutes.

Ticino beaches praised in European report

Thu, 26 May 2016 13:42:34 +0200

More than 100 Swiss beaches have been rated excellent in a European-wide report on water quality.

Pool closed after ailment afflicts 40 swimmers

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 23:01:36 +0100

A swimming complex in Lausanne that hosted the Swiss national championships was closed on Monday after 40 competitors fell sick from a mystery ailment.

Bathers cool off in Swiss flag swimming pool

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0200

A distinctive new floating swimming pool opened in Geneva on Wednesday night — at an opportune time, given the city's ongoing heatwave.

Swiss ex-Olympic coach jailed for child sex abuse

Sat, 10 Aug 2013 19:49:00 +0200

Switzerland's former Olympic swimming coach Flavio Bomio was jailed for 11 years on Friday for sexually abusing boys, two years after he was disgraced when victims came forward.

Swiss swim coach admits abuse of children

Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:22:00 +0200

A former Swiss national swimming coach has admitted all charges against him of abuse of minors at his trial in Lugano in the canton of Ticino.

Muslim girl made to attend swimming lessons

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:27:00 +0200

Integration comes before religion, according to the country’s supreme court. It ruled that a 14-year-old Muslim girl could not be excused from swimming lessons because the teacher was male.

Rhine swimmer cuts short 'impossible' quest

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:55 +0200

Ernst Bromeis, the Swiss swimmer who set out to swim the length of the Rhine, has given up his quest after about 400 kilometres due to health concerns.