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Safety on waterways: This is how the water police protect Saxony-Anhalt!
The water police in Dessau-Roßlau monitor safety on Saxony-Anhalt's waterways and provide information about necessary rules of conduct.
Safety on waterways: This is how the water police protect Saxony-Anhalt!
The water police play a crucial role in ensuring safety on Saxony-Anhalt's waterways. The team ensures that shipping and leisure navigation are safe on a total of almost 800 kilometers of waterways and various lakes, including the Goitzschesee, the Süße See and the Geiseltalsee. This was confirmed by a report from MDR, which addresses the importance of the presence of the water police.
Before embarking on a boat trip, all water sports enthusiasts should be well informed - after all, there are inland waterway and shipping regulations with specific regulations. Police Commissioner Lutz Wendt points out that ferries in particular are often the hotspot for accidents. Many boat captains do not correctly assess the dangers when passing by, which can lead to critical situations. It is important to look at the blue information sign on the bank side of the ferry: If it is on the quiet side, the area can be passed through safely.
Security measures and controls
The tasks of the water police are diverse. It not only carries out shipping police tasks and controls, but also ensures environmental protection. In 2023, the water police recorded 80 rescue missions, various problems with shipping and more than 5,100 controls in shipping and fishing. These numbers come from information from Ministry of the Interior and Sport Saxony-Anhalt.
The well-being of water sports enthusiasts is further promoted by the fact that environmental protection measures are consistently implemented. Ecological violations, especially those relating to the handling of water areas, are rigorously pursued by the water protection police. After all, around 64% of the criminal proceedings initiated in 2024 related to environmental crimes.
Statistical developments and successes
The decline in ship accidents is also a bright spot. The number of accidents was reduced from 38 in 2023 to 24 in 2024. This is not only due to stricter controls, but also shows that water sports enthusiasts are increasingly paying attention to safety. Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang praised the water police's achievements, particularly the 67% drop in alcohol violations last year.
The water police are not only responsible for federal waterways such as the Elbe or Saale, but also for various state bodies of water and lakes. This includes responsible management of around 560 kilometers of federal waterways and 190 kilometers of other rivers. An article from Saxony-Anhalt Police describes the tasks and challenges of the water police in detail.
There is still a lot to be done to further improve safety on waterways and prevent accidents. It is recommended to always be vigilant and observe the applicable regulations - then nothing stands in the way of a carefree day on the water.