Lifesaving Feats: DLRG Successfully Rescued Over 1400 Individuals from Peril - DLRG successively rescues over 1,400 individuals from perilous circumstances.
GETING' LOW AND LIFE-SAVING WITH THE DLRG
It happens in the blink of an eye: A kid of around six years old plays with a floaty ring in Berlin's Tegeler See last July, then slips and plunges into the water. A lifeguard on a DLRG observation platform notices the drama and dives in to save the non-swimmer. This wasn't an isolated incident. For the year, DLRG lifeguards saved an astounding 1,446 lives from death - a substantial increase.
But the grim truth still remains: In 2023, it was 1,120 people they saved - cases of heart and circulatory diseases or heart attacks on the beach or even farther away, as the DLRG, based in Lower Saxony's Bad Nenndorf, announced. Within this numbers were also 699 people they saved from drowning. A year earlier, it was 870. Unfortunately, last year, the lifesavers couldn't help at least 411 people - they drowned.
In March, the DLRG shared that 2024 saw 31 more people pass away in the water than the previous year - and for the first time since 2019, the death count surpassed 400. Then, 417 people drowned. The DLRG is the largest water rescue organization in the world - boasting over 627,000 members by the end of 2023. This marked the third consecutive record and an increase of 3.3 percent from 2023.
Remember, though, the lifeguards were not the only ones active. Across the country, 54,802 volunteers ensured safety in and on the water last year, which was 6,000 more helpers in comparison to 2023. "Their efforts save lives – making our society safer," said DLRG President Ute Vogt. These rescuers were on duty for nearly 2.6 million hours, during which they helped 37,882 people. They also secured valuable items such as capsized sailboats or rescued animals in another 5,000 deployments. These tireless helpers were on duty in over 1,200 swimming pools and waterways, including many beach sections on the North and Baltic Seas.
Last year saw the most lifesaving activity happen in Baden-Württemberg - 243 people were saved there (in comparison to 185 in 2023). Hamburg followed closely with 216 lifesaving cases (compared to 101 in 2023), followed by Schleswig-Holstein (211 saved, 146 in 2023), then Bavaria (170 saved, 132 in 2023). In Lower Saxony, 158 people were saved (125 in 2023).
Youngsters find the lifeguard badge intriguing
What gives these water rescuers hope: Lifesaving badges are apparently quite popular with the young. The Junior Rescuer badge for kids aged ten and above was awarded 9,377 times last year. "For the first time since 2004, our lifesaving instructors have guided more than 9,000 children towards the Junior Rescuer badge within a year," said Vogt. "This certainly bodes well for our future."
Drowning and the dangers it poses
This year, lifeguards warned of numerous dangers. One such risk: jumping into freezing water. The sudden change in temperature could overload the cardiovascular system, posing a life-threatening situation – especially for older individuals, according to the DLRG. In 2023, it was discovered that around 60% of drowning victims were over 55 years old. "We urge people to swim only in supervised waters," said Vogt. She made it a point to say, "We don't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment of the water, but please be cautious."
Diving headfirst into shallow water or murky waters is another caution that lifeguards stressed, as it could lead to severe injuries, including paralysis. "We often observe patients with spinal cord injuries and paralysis in the emergency room," said Prof. Dietmar Pennig, Secretary General of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, "caused by recklessness, overconfidence, or intoxication." He emphasized, "This can drastically alter one's life."
In essence, the DLRG plays a crucial role in water safety across Germany. They offer rescue services during emergencies, provide education and training, and aim to raise awareness about water risks and safety measures. This season, remember to heed the warnings: swim in designated areas, avoid swimming alone or without supervision, and consider weather conditions before you dive in. Put simply: stay safe, enjoy the water, and have a blast.
The DLRG, with its extensive community policy, emphasizes the importance of water safety education, especially among youth, as they awarded 9,377 Junior Rescuer badges last year, a significant increase since 2004. Furthermore, in the realm of health-and-wellness, the DLRG encourages swimming in supervised waters and following safety measures to minimize the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, fitness-and-exercise accidents, and drowning incidents, all of which are addressed under their employment policy.
