With increased controls, the water police want to ensure more safety on Berlin’s lakes and canals this season.
According to the police, even more people discovered the advantages of the Berlin waters because of the corona pandemic. More and more boats, rafts, paddle boards are on the move, it’s getting pretty tight.
The emergency services feel it too. In 2021, there were 2,070 violations on the water, more than double the previous year (937).
These include noise, illegal racing on jet skis or power boats, drink driving and illegal dumping of waste.
Another problem is the many people who are traveling in boats that do not require a permit. “As a rule, they have little idea what is required of them as skippers,” said spokeswoman Sabine Schumann.
If you rent a raft, you will receive a briefing. But it is usually short and the guests on board are often drunk.