- Water sports on Bavarian lakes and rivers in the upwind
Water sports on the lakes and rivers in Bavaria remain popular. The Bavarian Water Police has observed a significant increase in Stand-Up Paddlers (SUPs) this year compared to a few years ago, according to a spokesperson for the Middle Franconia Police Presidency. However, this cannot be quantified. The central office of the Bavarian Water Police is located in Nuremberg.
Growth spurt in water sports
According to the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) in Bavaria, the number of SUPs, for example, at Lake Tegernsee and Lake Starnberg, is currently at a very high and consistent level. At the same time, it is noticeable that there have been significantly more kite surfers in recent years, especially at Lake Ammersee and Lake Starnberg.
Motorized water sports can also rejoice in new participants. Like all outdoor sports, water sports have experienced an extreme growth spurt in the corona years, said Klaus Weber, president of the Bavarian Motor Yacht Association. The association has been growing for years but is limited by insufficient infrastructure such as harbors and mooring points. As a result, there is a large proportion of unorganized water sports enthusiasts, said Weber.
No increase in accidents and violations
Despite the continued popularity of paddling, sailing, and speeding across the water, the Water Police has not recorded an increase in accidents and violations. For example, the number of sports boat accidents has remained relatively constant in the low to mid double-digit range in recent years, said the police spokesperson. The number of violations on and around Bavaria's waters is usually around 1,100 per year. In 2023, the Water Police recorded around 1,700 violations, which is mainly due to a particularly high number of environmental violations last year.
Training needed for Stand-Up Paddlers
To avoid accidents and dangerous situations, some Stand-Up Paddlers should familiarize themselves better with their equipment, according to the DLRG. "In particular, in the area of SUPs, we see very frequent training needs," said the DLRG spokesperson. Unlike sailors or kite surfers, SUP users often have not taken a course and therefore lack fundamental knowledge.
Some water sports enthusiasts do not wear a safety leash and life jacket or are out on the water in inappropriate clothing in the fall and spring. "Unfortunately, we also have to note that many users are not good swimmers and cannot stay afloat in the water after falling off their SUP."
Moreover, some parents let their young children, even toddlers, go out on the water alone with a SUP. This poses great risks. "Children should generally be supervised in the water."
Increase in Stand-Up Paddlers in Water Bodies
The Bavarian Water Police has observed a surge in Stand-Up Paddlers (SUPs) in various water bodies across Bavaria, as mentioned by a spokesperson.
Importance of Safety Training for SUP Users
Given the increasing number of SUP users, it's essential for some of them to improve their understanding of the equipment and basic safety measures, as suggested by the DLRG.
