The summer is here: 4 tips for water activities on the Limfjord

Summer days with full sun and high temperatures are just around the corner. In Aalborg, the summer weather often equals lots of activity along the waterfront and in the central harbour basin.

But even though the citizens of Aalborg are drawn to the Limfjord for a good reason, they must still remember the dangers if safety is not a top priority. Harbourmaster at Port of Aalborg, Claus Rosenbeck, has gathered four tips on how to safely handle activities on the fjord ahead of the coming summer.

– Aalborg is enriched with a fantastic waterfront, attracting visitors from all over. Especially after the central waterfront’s recent transformation, we have seen growing interest in the fjord. The city’s residents use the water for recreational purposes and activities, which is wonderful. We just want to make sure it is safe and secure for everyone who wants to spend time in the water.

1. Be aware of wind, weather, and current conditions

It is always a wise idea to consider the weather before you venture out into the water. The Limfjord is exposed to strong currents and wind conditions, which can be challenging for all types of water activities.

– The Limfjord is not a closed basin, which means it is exposed to strong currents that are not always visible. The current can quickly grab and pull people and light vessels further out into the fjord. Additionally, it can also make it difficult to get ashore if you capsize, says Claus Rosenbeck, who elaborates:

– Furthermore, we live in a windswept part of the country. If it is windy and there are many waves on the water, it is not the best idea to be on the fjord in a vessel that is easily influenced by the wind.

2. Understand and respect the shipping traffic

Although most of the heavy industry has moved away from Aalborg’s central waterfront, there is plenty of commercial sailing in the central harbour basin. Amongst other things, several commercial ships are docked at Hedegaard in Nørresundby every week. At Honnørkajen, many cruise ships will visit during the summer, while the fjord is also a transiting channel for commercial vessels constantly passing through.

In other words, recreational vessels must be aware of the fjord’s ship traffic to avoid accidents.

– Commercial ships cannot diverge from their route. They’re not like a car on land. A certain speed is required to steer, and there is a risk that they accidently hit one of the bridges or run aground whilst avoiding dangerous situations. Providing space and awareness of the commercial ship’s limited manoeuvrability is vital to preventing dangerous situations, explains Claus Rosenbeck.

3. Know the local maritime rules – and remember the life jacket!

You do not need a proficiency or speedboat certificate for many recreational vessel types. However, it’s still a good idea to know the rules for traffic on the fjord.

– All recreational vessels are subject to maritime regulations. It is, among other things, mandatory to bring a life jacket and you will be fined if you forget one. In central Aalborg, open vessels such as water scooters, SUP boards, water skis and surfboards must be at least 100 metres from the quay, something many aren’t aware of. The speed limit in the harbour basin is 6 knots and in the middle of the fjord you must sail after the giving conditions and avoid being a nuisance to other vessels. Hence, understanding the current rules before taking a trip on the fjord is clearly recommended, says Claus Rosenbeck.

You can read more about the Danish Maritime Authority’s recreational sailing rules here or on Port of Aalborg’s website.

4. Use your common sense

Going out to sea is all about being thoughtful and having good judgement. The Limfjord is fantastic and with respect for the surroundings everyone can share the joy of a trip on the water.

– The very best advice is to use your common sense. If you know your limitations and respect your surroundings, everyone can enjoy the fjord whilst still keeping safety a top priority, remarks Claus Rosenbeck.

In short:

1. Pay attention to wind, weather and current conditions

2. Understand and respect shipping traffic

3. Know the local maritime rules – and remember the life jacket!

4. Use your common sense