Messing about on the river

I have loved (and am still loving) Summer in my new city. My new old city.

You see, we are rediscovering it, and now we are doing things with little girls, rather than babies and toddlers.

Top of my list for Summer 2013 is Rhine swimming.

As you may know, through Basel flows the river Rhine. It has a very strong current and as a result the ships flow down the river at very fast speed. However, during a hot Summer, like this one, the current slows down a little and the water level drops, allowing people to float lazily a few kilometers down the river.

Hundreds and hundreds of people join in this activitiy on a hot day, and thousands over the summer period.

The float  (calling it a swim suggests more activity that is actually required) goes from one end of the city to the other and gives the most sensational view of the whole city as you float by. The water is warm, 24 degrees and the sun can be hot. 33 degrees, the day we went.

There is a start point and an end point, and multiple other points of entry or departure along the way.
Below is a picture of the most used start point.

People, including me, my husband, my brave sister and our fearless little girls, jump in here, with their waterproof Rhine bags and begin the cruise down the river.

There are always many people around you, so you feel safe and in good company. The waterproof bags, designed purposefully for this activity, act as superb pillows, to make the journey even more enjoyable.

So next time you are in Basel and its a hot day, go to the Rhine and join in the fun. It's for the whole family and it's free!