Swimming in the Eisbach is not technically allowed,[1] but as the rule is not stringently enforced, swimmers are common, especially on warm summer days.

The local surfers have forced the wave to break more cleanly,[16] with increased height, by attaching ropes to the bridge which trail submerged planks, creating two large "U"-shapes.

There is a second standing wave on the Eisbach (E2 Kleine Eisbachwelle) located a few hundred meters downstream, further north, in the Englischer Garten.

[17] Although the authorities do not strictly enforce the swimming ban, they caution against the dangers even for experienced swimmers: the Eisbach has a very strong current and no fixed exit points, which makes it hard to get out again.

Also, the Eisbach is shallow, which can lead to injuries not only when jumping in, but while swimming, because obstacles like stones, broken glass and dumped bicycles can be found on its bed.