Over 10,000 lifeguards have positioned themselves in North Rhine-Westphalia during the summer season, ready for action. - Over 9,000 Lifeguards on Duty Across NRW During Summer Season
Lifeguards Deploy Across North Rhine-Westphalia's Waters for Summer Safety
This summer, nearly 10,000 lifeguards from the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) are stationed in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) to safeguard swimmers and water enthusiasts. For the third consecutive year, the number of volunteer lifeguards in the state has surpassed 9,500, according to the DLRG.
Their duties encompass patrolling approximately 200 lakes and rivers in NRW and offering support for pool supervision in nearly 200 swimming pools. Stefan Albrecht, president of DLRG North Rhine, stated, "We overturn capsized vessels, administer first aid, search for missing individuals, and are there to assist anyone in distress in the water."
Last year, unguarded rivers and lakes accounted for at least 57 drownings in NRW, ten more than the previous year. In light of these statistics, the DLRG emphasized the importance of raising awareness and advising against swimming in the Rhine. Additionally, they warn against jumping into cold water, as sudden temperature changes can strain the heart and circulatory system, and diving into unknown or murky waters is particularly hazardous.
The DLRG in NRW boasts over 164,000 members as of the end of 2024, making it their highest membership count to date, and 13,000 more than a decade ago. During the past decade, the number of voluntary swimming instructors and lifeguards has also significantly increased. Since 2017, the popularity of youth teams for water service has been on the rise.
In 2024, over 9,100 volunteers participated in swimming instruction, guiding approximately 11,000 children to earn the Seepferdchen badge, the preliminary award in learning to swim. Around 21,600 children, young people, and adults successfully passed a bronze, silver, or gold swimming badge in NRW.
Beyond the borders of NRW, lifeguards from the association support water rescue services at the North and Baltic Seas during the summer. Pods of at least 1,000 lifeguards from both DLRG associations in NRW spend a portion of their vacations or holidays at one of the over 100 guarded beach sections between Borkum and Usedom. These seaside resorts cover travel expenses, provide accommodation, and offer a daily allowance to the lifeguards.
Through education, training, and active surveillance, the DLRG aims to reduce drowning incidents and increase water safety in lakes, rivers, and swimming pools across North Rhine-Westphalia. Cooperating with municipal authorities, fire departments, and police, the association ensures that appropriate safety measures and emergency response plans are in place. By fostering youth engagement and promoting safe swimming practices, the DLRG seeks to build a lasting culture of water safety within the community.
The Community policy of the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG), in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), includes vocational training for swimming instructors and lifeguards, with the intention of reducing drowning incidents and promoting health-and-wellness through water safety. This comprehensive training encompasses various aspects of science, such as first aid, lifesaving techniques, and awareness of potential risks in sports, fitness-and-exercise, and water-related activities.
