The heatwave in Copenhagen has created what safety officials describe as a “perfect storm,” with thousands flocking to the city’s harbour and increasing the risk of dangerous incidents.
Since the beginning of June, the number of visitors to the official harbour baths has risen by 59% compared to last year, reaching approximately 458,000 people. At the same time, large numbers of swimmers continue to enter the water in prohibited areas, raising concerns for public safety.
Rising numbers at harbour baths
According to Shane Kenny, head of the Harbour Hosts (Havneværterne), activity along Copenhagen Harbour has surged this summer. The city’s four designated harbour baths – Islands Brygge, Fisketorvet, Sluseholmen and Sandkaj – have all seen record attendance. Kenny noted that similar numbers of swimmers are using unofficial areas where bathing is not allowed, further straining safety measures.
Authorities report daily dangerous situations in areas where swimming is forbidden, including Havneholmen, Ofelia Plads and Operaparken. Swimmers have also been spotted near harbour bus stops and in narrow waterways used by boats, raising the risk of collisions. Recently, two 17-year-old boys were fined for jumping into the water at Papirøen, an area closed to bathing due to heavy boat traffic and limited visibility for sailors.
Safety challenges in a growing city
Kenny and his team, all trained coastal lifeguards, patrol the harbour to warn swimmers and prevent accidents. He compared the harbour environment to “a motorway,” where traffic rules must be respected for safety. The Harbour Hosts stress the importance of not swimming alone, staying vigilant, and avoiding unauthorised zones. While no major accidents have been reported so far, officials warn that the combination of intense heat, heavy traffic and inexperienced swimmers represents a constant risk.
The increase in heat-related activity highlights broader urban safety challenges for Copenhagen. The harbour, once heavily industrial, has become a popular recreational space attracting locals and tourists. However, the mix of leisure swimming and urban transport requires constant monitoring. The Copenhagen Police and harbour officials continue to emphasise safety education and enforcement to prevent tragedies in the busy waterways.
