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Beware! The Pier Can Be a Treacherous Place

When winter descends upon harbors, piers can become extremely slippery. Particularly in the darker months, it can be incredibly difficult to see if the pier has turned into an ice rink.

boats at the dock seen from above
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In Denmark, the Danish Maritime Safety Council has developed a campaign to raise awareness about safety in harbors — both on the water and on land.

“Weather conditions significantly impact harbor safety during this season. For us, it’s important that people, whether they’re simply taking a walk in the harbor or checking on their vessel, are aware of how to navigate the area more safely. Even if you’re familiar with the harbor, the route to your boat, and are used to being there, caution is still crucial,” says Martin Wagner, project manager at SejlSikkert, the campaign secretariat of the Danish Maritime Safety Council.

From 2021 to the end of 2024, 35 drownings related to maritime activities were recorded. Eight of these fatal accidents occurred in harbors. Over the past two years alone, drownings in harbors account for 33% of all drownings in the Council’s statistics.
Several of these incidents happened as individuals moved from the harbor to their vessel and fell into the water.

“In winter, there are often fewer people in the harbor. In fact, you can often be completely alone when checking your boat during the colder months. That’s why it’s important to be extra mindful of your surroundings — and to take even greater care of yourself. We hope that this new campaign can help bring attention to this,” Martin Wagner adds.
You can support the campaign by ordering one of the new safety signs via the website soesport.dk. Here, you can also watch the campaign video.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family at the Harbor

For boat owners, families with children, and other harbor users, small actions can make a big difference during the winter months.

Practical Safety Tips for Boat Owners

  1. Secure your boat properly: Winterize your boat and ensure moorings and tarps are in good condition to minimize the need for frequent checks.
  2. Bring adequate lighting: Use a strong headlamp or flashlight when moving on the pier in the dark. This can also help you spot slippery areas.
  3. Have an emergency plan: Let someone know where you are if you’re heading to the harbor alone.
  4. Bring a friend: If possible, visit your boat with a friend. Two people can assist each other if problems arise.
  5. Install non-slip surfaces: Simple solutions, like attaching chicken wire to the pier, can reduce the risk of slipping on algae-covered wood or icy surfaces.

Making Harbor Visits Safe for Children

  1. Teach children about safety: Explain to kids that they should always stay close to adults and avoid running on piers, especially in winter.
  2. Use life jackets: It’s a good idea for children to wear a life jacket, even when on the pier.
  3. Keep a close eye on them: Harbors can be exciting but also dangerous. Make sure children don’t get too close to the edge.

A Shared Responsibility for Safety

The Danish Maritime Safety Council encourages everyone who uses harbor areas to actively participate in the campaign. Share the message within your local sailing community and consider installing signs in your harbor to remind everyone to move safely.
With awareness and care, we can make the winter months safer for everyone who loves spending time on and near the water.  

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