Inflatable boat accidents on the Isar require rescues

Emergency services and police had to assist two separate groups of inflatable boat users on the Isar River over the weekend. In one incident late Saturday, a 22-year-old man had to be rescued by emergency responders after his inflatable raft became stuck in a "water roller" at a weir in Großhesselohe, south of Munich. Two of his companions managed to free themselves before help arrived.

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Two of his companions had previously managed to free themselves on their own.

Police reported that the group had not followed regulations by switching to the Isar-Werkkanal, instead remaining on the main Isar River. Their raft was pulled into the current towards the weir. Just hours earlier, two other individuals in an inflatable boat capsized and were caught in a similar water roller at the same weir, also after staying on the Isar against regulations. They were rescued by occupants of other boats they were traveling with.

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According to the police, the group had not switched to the Isar-Werkkanal as prescribed, but had remained on the Isar.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either incident, though numerous emergency personnel were deployed. Police have launched investigations into violations of the Bavarian Water Act. They also used the occasions to remind the public of specific Isar River regulations for the Munich district. These include a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille, a prohibition on tying boats together, mandatory life vests for children up to eight years old and for non-swimmers, and a ban on glass bottles and portable speakers.

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They were rescued by occupants of other boats with whom they were traveling together.