Nidda Reservoir Swimming Ban Remains in Place – Legal Concerns Trump Summer Fun
Schotten, Germany – October 26, 2025 – A picturesque reservoir in central Germany continues to be off-limits to swimmers, sparking frustration among locals and tourists alike. The city of Schotten has reaffirmed its ban on swimming at the Nidda Reservoir, not due to water quality concerns – which are reportedly good – but because of lingering legal anxieties stemming from a tragic drowning incident years ago. This is a developing story with implications for recreational areas across Germany and a prime example of how legal precedent can shape public access.
A History of Caution: The Shadow of a Past Tragedy
The current situation isn’t a sudden decision. In July 2023, the Schotten city council proactively removed the word “Baden” (swimming) from its city statutes. This move followed a devastating accident in northern Hesse in 2016, where three children tragically drowned in a fire pond. While the mayor of that town was initially penalized, the verdict was later overturned, the emotional impact and legal scrutiny prompted a cautious approach elsewhere. Susanne Schaab, then-mayor of Schotten, sought advice from the municipal accident insurance association (GVV), which recommended avoiding any official documentation of swimming activity at the reservoir. The GVV’s assessment: swimming could only be legally permissible with dedicated lifeguards and a designated swimming area – a financially prohibitive option for the city.
Good Water, No Swim: A Unique Situation in Hesse
Ironically, the Nidda Reservoir boasts excellent water quality, as certified by the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) last summer. However, the report explicitly noted the ban was in place for “legal and organizational reasons,” making the Nidda Reservoir unique among Hesse’s 61 listed bathing lakes. The reservoir, owned by the Nidda Water Association, serves primarily as a rain retention basin for flood protection, a function that predates any consideration of recreational use. This dual purpose complicates matters, as the city isn’t equipped or legally mandated to operate the area as a traditional swimming facility.
Securing the Area & Future Development
The city has taken steps to physically reinforce the ban. A small bathing jetty below the campsite has been secured with bars, restricting access to all but the DLRG Friedberg/Bad Nauheim association, who are permitted to use it for training exercises. This action underscores the city’s commitment to minimizing potential liability. Meanwhile, plans are underway for improvements to the surrounding area, including a new kiosk with accessible toilets and an adventure playground, timed to coincide with the 2027 State Garden Show. These developments highlight the city’s desire to enhance the reservoir’s appeal as a recreational destination, even if swimming remains off the table.
The Debate Continues: Balancing Safety and Public Enjoyment
During a recent information event regarding the 2027 State Garden Show, residents voiced their disappointment with the continued ban. Current Mayor Benjamin Göbl reiterated the legal concerns, emphasizing his personal responsibility to avoid encouraging potentially dangerous activity. The city currently promotes the reservoir as a haven for hikers, bikers, surfers, anglers, and those seeking relaxation, but the absence of swimming is a noticeable omission, particularly during the hot summer months. Armin Hudetz, an employee of the water association, clarified that the ultimate responsibility for regulating swimming facilities rests with the regional council in Giessen, not the city or the water association itself.
The situation at the Nidda Reservoir serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between public safety, legal liability, and recreational access. While the desire for a refreshing swim is understandable, the city of Schotten is navigating a challenging landscape, prioritizing caution in the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy. As the 2027 State Garden Show approaches, the debate over the reservoir’s future is likely to intensify, potentially prompting a reevaluation of the current regulations and a search for solutions that balance safety with the public’s desire for enjoyment. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and other breaking news from around the globe.
