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A 21-year-old French woman had to be rescued by passers-by after she went skinny dipping during the opening weekend of Oktoberfest in Munich.

The tourist waded into the Isar river on a dare from her American friend but quickly ran into trouble when she was caught by the strong current.

She was treated for hypothermia after she was rescued by a local man who jumped into the river to grab her and two teenagers who held onto the pair from the riverbank, The Local reported.

Too much fun: A reveller is helped to his feet outside a festival test on the opening day of Oktoberfest

Prost! Organisers say a million people attended the first weekend of the 16-day festival in Munich

The river rescue was one of dozens of incidents that police and paramedics dealt with as the boozy 16-day celebration of Bavarian culture kicked off on Saturday for another year.

Dozens of revellers were arrested and many more were treated for injuries or alcohol poisoning as the first two days were marred by fights and other problems. 

Police arrested 49 people on Saturday for pickpocketing, groping women or fighting, including a 26-year-old man who assaulted another man with his beer mug.

More than 700 patients were treated by the Red Cross, including 19 for alcohol poisoning, according to The Local.

Last year's edition of Oktoberfest attracted 6.4 million visitors who downed 6.7 million litres of beer

Boozy celebration: Over six million people are expected to attend the 181st edition of Oktoberfest

Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter opened the 181st Oktoberfest on Saturday by tapping the first keg of beer.

A million people attended the legendary festival over the weekend, consuming a million one-litre beers and tens of thousands of bratwurst and roast chickens, according to organisers.

Last year, the event attracted 6.4 million visitors who downed 6.7 million litres of beer.

There were 449 violent assaults and 759 arrests, and 638 people had to be treated for alcohol poisoning.

Raise a glass: Visitors enjoy the atmosphere at the Augustiner beer tent