A new campaign from By & Havn is drawing attention to the dangers of mixing alcohol and the city’s harbors, especially as student celebrations reach their peak. With student trucks rolling through the streets and parties following close behind, the campaign urges young people and partygoers to keep away from the harbor edge if they have been drinking. The slogan, “Tænk lidt længere og få respekt for havnen” (Think a little further and respect the harbor), highlights that one wrong step – especially after a night out – can have serious consequences.
The campaign delivers three simple pieces of advice: stay away from the harbor’s edge when you have been drinking, use a toilet instead of the harbor for relief, and stick together with friends rather than walking home alone by the water. The campaign video, seen on social media and in public spaces, shows a student about to urinate into the harbor, with cartoon wings sprouting from his back. Before he can do so, a friend pulls him away, and the wings disappear, underlining the message: “I’m not that drunk.” This film, along with posters and social media content, is part of a broader push that will continue beyond graduation season.
The campaign is rooted in real risk. A study from the Prehospital Center in Region Zealand found that between 2016 and 2023, there were 296 harbor-related accidents, with 21 resulting in death. Young people aged 15-24 were overrepresented, accounting for nearly a fifth of incidents, and more than 30 percent of those involved had consumed alcohol or drugs. These numbers underscore why the campaign focuses on prevention, peer support, and practical safety tips.
Alongside its main messages, the campaign provides clear instructions on what to do if you or someone else falls into the harbor. Do not jump in to help – instead, call for assistance, throw a life ring, and guide the person to safety. Advice is also offered for coping after a near-drowning incident, with links to victim support. By & Havn encourages everyone to share the campaign materials and remind friends to avoid the harbor’s edge after drinking, keeping Copenhagen’s waterfront a safe place for celebration and community.
Find more from By & Havn (Denmark, June 2025)
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Alcohol Awareness 