Attention, SUP riders! Police warn of dangerous rule violations!
The Brandenburg water police warn stand-up paddlers against traveling at night without lights and provide information about safety rules.

Attention, SUP riders! Police warn of dangerous rule violations!
The summer months invite you to enjoy nature from the water. But when it comes to stand-up paddling (SUP), beginners and experienced paddlers alike should be aware of some important rules and safety precautions. The water police in Brandenburg are currently warning urgently about rule violations and dangers that can arise, especially when paddling at night. Especially now that the evenings are getting longer and it gets dark quickly, caution is advised.
In Brandenburg, SUP boards are considered small vehicles that are subject to certain regulations that every paddler should know. Loud Berlin Live is one of the most important rules: When it is dark or visibility is poor, you must carry and switch on a white light that is visible from all sides. If SUP riders violate these lighting regulations, they face a fine of up to 100 euros. Heiko Schmidt, head of the water police at the West Police Department, even expressly advises against paddling at night, as visibility is severely limited and rescue operations become much more difficult in the dark.
Rules and dangers when paddling
There are also other rules that must be followed when paddling. Commercial shipping and sailing boats have priority, while recreational motorboats should take SUP riders into consideration. Another issue is alcohol consumption: riding a SUP is strictly prohibited from a level of 0.5 per mille. Paddling in Brandenburg offers attractive conditions with its numerous lakes and rivers such as the Havel and the Müggelsee, but users should always remain vigilant and familiarize themselves with the applicable rules in order not to put their safety at risk.
The number of SUP accidents has increased in recent years, especially between June and August, according to the portal Beyond surfing reported. Young paddlers are particularly at risk. To increase safety while paddling, a few simple precautions should be taken. This includes wearing a life jacket, especially for beginners, and using a leash that connects the paddler to the board to prevent drifting.
Do’s and Don’ts for SUP riders
Here are some more “do’s” and “don’ts” for anyone who wants to embark on the SUP adventure:
- Do’s:
- Richtiges Equipment wählen: Allround Boards sind ideal für Einsteiger.
- Technik erlernen: Grundlegende SUP-Fähigkeiten sind unerlässlich.
- Grenzen respektieren: Anfängern wird geraten, in sicheren Gewässern zu paddeln.
- Don’ts:
- Wasser und Sonnenschutz nicht vergessen: Flüssigkeitszufuhr ist wichtig.
- In zu flachen Gewässern paddeln: Das kann zu Verletzungen führen.
In summary, extra caution is required when stand-up paddling, especially in fading light or complex weather conditions. The water protection police appeal to all paddlers to actively inform themselves about the safety regulations and, if necessary, to seek support from other water sports enthusiasts, the DLRG or the water protection police. The safe paddling adventure is crucial to avoid injuries and to fully enjoy the beautiful feeling on the water.