Lake Constance water police increase inspections amid rising summer activity

The water police in Hard reported a significant increase in activity on Lake Constance during the summer of 2026. By the end of July, authorities conducted nearly 1,000 inspections, which is approximately 250 more than during the same period in 2025. This represents a 20 percent rise in overall operations due to high numbers of swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.

Despite the increased number of controls, there has been a notable decline in reported offenses. Cases involving alcohol or drug consumption while operating a watercraft dropped to just two instances, roughly one-third of the previous year's figures. Total citations and administrative mandates also decreased from 200 in the summer of 2025 to 176 this year.

Michael Quendler of the Hard water police noted that approximately one-quarter of all inspections include alcohol testing. Authorities are also strictly enforcing mandatory distances from shorelines to ensure both swimmer safety and environmental protection. The high-presence seasonal patrol is scheduled to continue until the end of September.