Germany: Protesters call for end to 101-year swimming ban in Berlin’s Spree River.

SHOTLIST: BERLIN, GERMANY (AUG. 20, 2026) 1. BANNER HUNG FROM BRIDGE OVER SPREE RIVER 2. WIDE SHOT OF BERLIN CATHEDRAL 3. VARIOUS OF INFLATABLE RINGS AND SWIMMING EQUIPMENT AS PROTESTERS GATHER ALONG SPREE RIVER 4. VARIOUS OF SPEECHES GIVEN DURING DEMONSTRATION / PEOPLE HOLDING SWIMMING EQUIPMENT 5. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE MOVING ALONG SPREE RIVER BY CANOEBERLIN, GERMANY - AUG. 20: A demonstration was held in Berlin on Thursday, Aug. 20, calling for the lifting of a 101-year swimming ban in the Spree River. Organizers planned five “swim together” events in 2026, held on the 20th of each month from May through September. However, protesters were unable to swim during Thursday’s event because heavy rainfall had reduced water quality. The swimming ban was introduced on May 20, 1925, citing pollution and rapid urbanization.