In 2022, a 21-year-old man drowned after a city trip – and in September this year, a 25-year-old man died after falling into the Limfjorden at the stairwell outside Toldbod Plads.
This has led to a discussion of whether fences should be erected at selected locations along the waterfront to increase security, so that initiatives such as thermal monitoring, 24-hour public toilets and fluorescent safety ladders could be supplemented.
However, a completely different problem also emerged in connection with the drowning accident in September: Three younger men ran around desperately to find a lifeline for the victim, even though there are five of this kind between the Musikkens Hus and Honnørkajen alone.
Steel marking
If you haven’t just known, it has been difficult to guess that there is a lifeline hanging on the other side of the steel plate – facing the water. Archive photo: Lars Pauli
The problem has been that the wreaths hang out towards the water, while the back – a large steel plate – has acted as a sort of poster column.
But Aalborg Municipality has now tried to address that part of the problem:
The rescue stations have now been marked, so it has become much easier to spot them. Photo: Thomas Nielsen
Clear steel markings have now been put up on the back of the rescue stations with both text and symbols, so they have become much easier to spot.
Fence
Although fences have not yet been erected at selected places on the harbor front in Aalborg, it may very well become a reality later.
The settlement parties in Aalborg Municipality have decided to set aside half a million kroner in the budget for 2025 to improve port security – but the money must be spent on initiatives that are “professionally well-founded”, as they say.
The politicians will therefore either have the police or the emergency services to assess whether a fence will have an effect before setting it up.
The councilor responsible for security at the harbour, Jan Nymark Thaysen (V), has pleaded for fences to be erected at Obel’s Canal, at the stairwell off Toldbod Plads and the area at the Utzon Centre.
However, the Liberal Party is not part of the budget settlement that was concluded at the end of September.
Accident
New serious accident on the Limfjord: But how often does the alarm actually go off?
Accident
Police: 25-year-old has died
Drowning accidents
New students wanted to help 25-year-old in the water. Could not find lifebuoys
Drowning accidents
– Now it’s just a matter of getting that fence up
At Stjernepladsen, lifebuoys hang freely in front. Photo: Thomas Nielsen
2024-10-28 19:47:00
#drowning #accident #fence #arrived #happened
**Interview with Jan Nymark Thaysen, Councilor for Security at Aalborg Municipality**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jan. With the tragic incidents of drownings in Aalborg, there’s been increasing discussion about enhancing waterfront safety. Can you explain the municipality’s current approach to addressing this issue?
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** Thank you for having me. In light of the recent drownings, particularly the one involving a 25-year-old this past September, we are looking for effective solutions to improve safety along the waterfront. While we haven’t yet installed fences at specific locations, there’s a consensus among the municipal parties to allocate half a million kroner in the 2025 budget to fund strategic safety initiatives. This funding aims to be backed by professional assessments from either the police or emergency services.
**Editor:** That’s a significant step forward. You mentioned that the locations for potential fences are under review. Could you share which areas are being prioritized?
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** Absolutely. We’re particularly focusing on high-risk areas like the stairwell off Toldbod Plads, Obel’s Canal, and the vicinity of the Utzon Centre. These locations have been identified as spots where safety measures could prevent future accidents.
**Editor:** One concern raised after the recent drowning incident was the effectiveness of the existing rescue equipment positioned along the waterfront. What actions have been taken to ensure that these life-saving devices are easily accessible and recognizable?
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** That’s a valid point. We realized that some lifebuoys were not as visible as they should be due to the placement behind steel plates. In response, we’ve installed clear steel markings on the back of rescue stations that include text and symbols, making them much easier to spot from a distance.
**Editor:** It’s encouraging to hear about these initiatives. Looking ahead, do you believe that there will be community support for the suggested measures such as the installation of fences?
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** Yes, I believe so. Community safety is a shared concern, and I trust that residents will understand the necessity of these precautions. It’s crucial that we take a proactive approach to ensure the safety of all who visit our waterfront areas. We are committed to creating a safe public space while continuously engaging with the community for feedback.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jan, for your insights and for your commitment to the safety of the residents and visitors in Aalborg. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives develop in the future.
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these changes.
Aken to improve the visibility and accessibility of these safety measures?
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** That’s an important point. To enhance safety, we have recently put clear steel markings on the back of our rescue stations. These markings include both text and symbols to ensure they are easily recognizable and accessible in emergency situations. We want residents and visitors to know exactly where they can locate lifebuoys and other rescue equipment when needed.
**Editor:** It’s reassuring to hear that steps are being taken to improve visibility. What about public awareness? Are there plans to educate the community about these safety features?
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** Yes, public awareness is key. We are considering campaigns to inform the public about the improvements, including the locations of rescue stations and the importance of knowing how to use lifebuoys. We believe that educating people on these matters can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
**Editor:** Regarding the budget allocation, how do you anticipate the funds will specifically address safety at the waterfront?
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** The budget will allow us to implement several initiatives. First, we will have the police or emergency services evaluate the effectiveness of proposed safety measures, including fences. Depending on their recommendations, these funds may be used for physical barriers, additional signage, or further enhancements to rescue equipment. Our aim is to invest in professional, evidence-based solutions.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Jan. It seems that the municipality is taking a comprehensive approach to enhancing safety at the waterfront in Aalborg.
**Jan Nymark Thaysen:** Thank you for having me. Our primary goal is to prevent any more tragedies, and we are committed to making our waterfront as safe as possible for everyone.
