The current and the flow of the Meuse can indeed be stronger than it seems. You also have to be wary of the temperature of the water, of what is sleeping at the bottom of the river and of the waste that is outcropping, not to mention possible poisoning.
It is for these reasons that swimming in the river is prohibited. Except in Legs in the ultra-secure setting of the open water swimming club where Valérie and her companion train.
“There are two lifeguards, a dozen kayaks and a boat that is able to quickly load a person in difficulty to bring them back to the edge, explains Jean-Bernard, the security manager. We swim safely. But walking along the Meuse, I see people in the water every day, without life jackets and without any supervision. It’s very dangerous. A cramp or discomfort can happen to anyone. Water is a hostile environment and if there is no one to bring you back in the event of a problem, you risk death.”
Despite the heat, it is therefore better to resist the temptation of diving. An accident happened so quickly.