Razor and party rafts: worries about security on Berlin's waters!

Razor and party rafts: worries about security on Berlin's waters!

In the coming months, it will be going well on the Berlin waters, especially on the Dahme. Party rafts, jet kis, SUPs and other water vehicles make the waters a meeting point for water sports enthusiasts and celebrating in the summer months. But not everyone is pleased with the high traffic. Rower Jörg Polenske from the Spree Ruder Club Köpenick expresses concerns about safety on the waters. "There is a lack of the presence of the water protection police," says the athlete, who critically assesses the situation. According to RBB there are great concerns among the water sports enthusiasts, as many report that apps and chat groups were developed in order to warn pace starters of police controls.

Despite the pure joy of water, there are serious questions about control and security behind these concerns. Rainer Wendt, Federal Chairman of the German Police Union, calls for a doubling of the emergency services of the water protection police to "ensure an appropriate control pressure". Currently, only 170 emergency services of the water protection police are in action, which is just 0.624 percent of the Berlin police. However, the interior administration is currently not planning to increase personnel strength in this important division.

Missing resources and equipment

Another problem lies in the equipment of the water protection police. So far, the officers are waiting for the delivery of new steel boats, which, after the Senate's announcement, should be provided annually from 2024. So far, however, these have not been delivered, and the interior administration has stated that no budget is available for new boats. The current fleet consists of 15 old steel boats, three stocking tubes, three civil boats and two Bos-Watercrafts. This raises questions of how security on the waters can be guaranteed, while the number of guessed traffic offenses has dropped in the past five years.

The water tourism industry in Berlin-Brandenburg is booming. Sales have increased by a remarkable 50 percent in the past ten years. Nevertheless, the question remains: Why does the number of ship accidents still drop? In 2024, for example, there were 89 accidents on the waters, a decline compared to 122 five years ago. The figures on the drunkenness at the wheel also speak a clear language: only 18 cases of driving under alcohol or drug influence were reported in 2023. This development, which shows that Berlin's water sports enthusiasts are increasingly responsible, must not hide the fact that more presence and control is necessary even in decreasing number of accidents.

training of water police officers

The training of the officers of the water protection police is as comprehensive as it is demanding. First, the officials complete an apprenticeship with the normal protective police, followed by several years of use in police sections or operational hundreds. If you have the stuff, you can switch to the water protection police, but this requires an extensive selection process. In addition, every WSP official has to take part in training courses during his service, including essential courses such as the FM and radar course, which take place directly within the water protection police in Berlin, such as the Berlin police.

The challenges that arise from the Berlin waters require quick action. Whether it is clear whether the water protection police or an increase in the emergency services is clear: more security in Berlin's water areas must be ensured. The anticipation for the summer months remains, but those responsible are required to analyze and improve the security situation intensively. After all, everyone only wants one thing: enjoy the water safely and carefree.