Rednitz River swimming sessions during the summer prove effective as a result of eco-friendly policies.
In the heart of Furth, a historic tradition has been revived, as the Rednitz river has once again become a popular spot for summer bathing. This decision, which has had positive consequences for both health and nature protection, was initiated by the Greens in the city council.
Centuries ago, the Rednitz river was used by Furth residents for swimming, with the river bath in the area of today's riverside promenade being the most significant. Evidence of this can be found in names like "bathing jetty" and "bath street". However, swimming in the Rednitz was forbidden for many years.
The Greens in the city council wanted to make river bathing legal in Furth while protecting sensitive riverbank areas. The initiative to make swimming again legal in the Rednitz river in Furth was started by the citizens' initiative called "Rednitzschwimmer" in 2020. In September of the same year, the Green faction submitted a motion to measure the water quality in Furth's rivers again.
As of 2022, swimming on your own risk is allowed again along the riverside promenade between the entry stairs at the old river bath and those at the intercultural garden. This designated area has been created to reduce 'wild' bathing at many individual locations. Philipp Steffen, a Green faction member, finds that a bathing spot on the river, right in the middle of the city, has a special charm and is a gain in quality of life.
However, there have been some issues with the accuracy of the information provided about swimming in the Rednitz. For instance, a poster advertising swimming in the rivers mixes up the names of the rivers, referring to the Regnitz instead of the Rednitz. Additionally, the Mayor of Furth has been criticised by Philipp Steffen for taking credit for the summer fun and spreading half-truths.
Despite these minor setbacks, the return of swimming in the Rednitz river has been widely accepted by Furth residents every summer since its revival. The decision has brought a sense of nostalgia and a newfound appreciation for the city's history, as well as contributing to the overall quality of life for its residents.
