CDU Advocates for River Swimming Areas in Hamburg

The CDU party in Hamburg is pushing for the establishment of public swimming areas along the Alster or Elbe rivers, aiming to enhance the accessibility of the city's waterways for recreational use. This initiative comes in light of successful implementations in other European cities, such as Paris and Copenhagen, where swimming in urban rivers has become a popular activity.

According to Anke Frieling, the CDU's spokesperson for urban development, it is imperative for Hamburg to allow its residents and visitors to enjoy its waters beyond just viewing them. She emphasizes that while cities like Kopenhagen, Oslo, and Malmö have successfully integrated swimming facilities into their urban landscapes, Hamburg has yet to make similar advancements.

Despite ongoing assessments concerning the feasibility of establishing swimming areas, the local government has raised concerns regarding water quality and safety as barriers to such developments. The ruling coalition of the city has indicated that while there are efforts to evaluate the suitability of local waters for swimming, many areas do not currently meet the required standards.

In 2015, the environmental authority examined potential public swimming areas in the Elbe but determined that safety issues presented significant challenges. The conditions in Hamburg, particularly the tidal influences and heavy maritime traffic, complicate the establishment of safe swimming zones, according to government assessments.

Frieling, however, argues that the city should seek innovative solutions to provide greater access to its waterways rather than using these challenges as justifications for inaction. She points out that many of the supposed obstacles cited by the government are issues that other cities have successfully addressed.

As urban development continues in the HafenCity area, where new buildings are being constructed along the waterfront, the CDU believes there should be opportunities for leisure activities, including swimming, rather than limiting the use of these spaces exclusively to commercial purposes.

Frieling warns that Hamburg risks missing out on a valuable asset by not capitalizing on its waterway potential. She calls for a strategic approach to urban planning that integrates recreational water access as a vital component of the city's livability and attractiveness.