01
Life jacket — always
Wear your life jacket from launch to landing — fastened securely before departure. Required equipment on every trip.
Safety on the water
Safe on the waterStay safeon the water
This page is part of your safety briefing — read the rules carefully, for your safety and everyone else on the water.
Last updated: June 2026
Video briefing
Your safety briefing in 60–90 seconds
The short video covers life jackets, weather, behaviour on the water and the station process — ideal right before unlocking.
Quick briefing60–90 sec.
Quick briefing before your trip
Put on your life jacket, check the weather, start safely and return the equipment correctly after your trip — explained clearly and concisely.
- Life jacket
- Weather & abort
- Behaviour on the water
- Equipment & locker
Expected to be available from summer 2026
In under two minutes, the video shows you the life jacket, weather check, behaviour on the water and the locker process — ideal right before unlocking.
The 10 Aquadock core rules
These ten rules apply to every rental — regardless of experience and weather. They are based on proven practice in canoeing and our FAQ.
- 02
Swimming ability
You must be able to swim confidently. From age 12; minors only with a swimming-capable supervisor.
- 03
No alcohol or drugs
Do not paddle under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs your reaction time.
- 04
Keep an eye on the weather
Check the forecast and watch the sky. In thunderstorms, storms, strong wind or fog: head to shore immediately.
- 05
Keep your distance
Always maintain a safe distance from swimmers, bridges, anglers and others on the water. Allow more space in heavy traffic, wind or poor visibility — and wherever local rules require it.
- 06
Right of way & keep right
Keep to the right and give way to larger vessels. Never cross in front of them — pass behind.
- 07
Start close to shore
Beginners should start near the shore — learn basic technique in a course or via video. Increase distance and duration gradually; assess your limits realistically, safety before adventure.
- 08
Share your route
Tell someone on land your route and expected return time. Take a waterproof phone.
- 09
Check your equipment
Inspect paddle, life jacket, leash and boat before launch; report defects immediately. Dress for water temperature (wetsuit in cold conditions) and bring sun protection.
- 10
Consideration & nature
Paddle quietly, avoid protected zones and do not leave litter in the water. Leave wildlife undisturbed.
After the rules
Practise technique step by step
Safety first — then the basic strokes, step by step with illustrations.
Emergency procedures & key contacts
In an emergency: stay calm, assess the danger and call for help. Save these numbers before your trip.
Key contacts
In a life-threatening situation, always call the emergency number first. For questions about PIN, locker or equipment, contact Aquadock directly.
Aquadock Support
Support hours: Mon–Fri, 9 am–6 pm (CET). Outside these hours, we handle urgent requests on the next business day.
Before every trip, share your planned route and return time with someone on land.
What to do if …
Capsize or in the water
Stay calm. Your life jacket keeps you afloat. Right the board or kayak if possible and paddle to shore. Signal with your arms or a whistle. In case of injury or hypothermia: call 112.
Sudden weather change
End your trip immediately. Paddle the shortest route to shore. Avoid wide crossings in wind and waves. Wait on land until conditions improve.
Injury
Get the injured person to shore or a safe place. Call 112 and state your location (waterway or booking station). Provide first aid if you are able.
Equipment failure
Do not go on the water with damaged equipment. Return to shore, secure the equipment and contact Aquadock Support by phone or WhatsApp.
Disorientation
Follow the shoreline back to the station. Call for help if needed. In case of danger or approaching darkness: call 112 with your location.
Return & after your trip
A proper return keeps the station available for everyone and avoids extra charges for negligence.
Return to the station on time
Return to your booked Aquadock station within your rental period.
Clean the equipment
Rinse the board or kayak with fresh water and dry roughly, as far as possible at the dock.
Return everything in full
Place paddle, life jacket and leash (SUP) neatly back in the compartment.
Close the Smart Locker
Close the compartment firmly — the door must click shut. Check that nothing is caught in the door.
Confirm your return
Complete the process in the booking app if your booking includes a confirmation step.
Report damage
Report damage or missing parts to support immediately — photos help with clarification.
Take your personal items
Take all valuables and personal belongings with you. Aquadock accepts no liability for losses.
Further information & downloads
Save or print this guide for on the go. External resources are clearly marked as such.
Core rules, emergency contacts and checklist — save the guide on your smartphone for on the go.
The PDF is currently available in German only.
Download PDFAny questions before your trip?
We can help with booking, PIN, equipment and emergencies — by phone, WhatsApp or email.