Approximately 10,000 lifeguards monitor beaches in North Rhine-Westphalia during the warm season. - Over 9,000 lifeguards on duty throughout NRW during the summer season.
10,000 Lifeguards on Alert in North Rhine-Westphalia for Summer Safety
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany's most populous state, will have nearly 10,000 lifeguards from the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) in action this summer. This marks the third consecutive year that the number of volunteer lifeguards in NRW has exceeded 9,500.
These lifeguards will be responsible for patrolling around 200 lakes and rivers in NRW and offering support at nearly 200 swimming pools. "We turn over capsized boats, provide first aid, search for missing individuals, and are there for anyone in distress in the water," said Stefan Albrecht, president of DLRG North Rhine.
In the past two years alone, volunteer lifeguards in NRW have saved over 230 people from drowning and assisted approximately 9,000 others. However, it's important to note that lifeguards cannot be everywhere, particularly in unguarded rivers and lakes where fatal drowning accidents still occur. Last year, at least 57 people drowned in NRW, ten more than the year before.
The DLRG is working to raise awareness of water safety even further. "No one should swim in the Rhine," emphasized Albrecht, with the Düsseldorf fire department also warning that swimming in the Rhine is potentially life-threatening. In addition, the DLRG has warned about the dangers of jumping into cold water, as the sudden temperature change can overwhelm the heart and circulatory system. Diving into uncharted or murky waters is particularly hazardous.
The DLRG in NRW has seen a surge in membership, with over 164,000 members (expected to reach by the end of 2024), an increase of 13,000 compared to ten years ago. "We've once again set a new record, following the nationwide trend," explained Albrecht. The number of volunteer swimming instructors and lifeguards has also increased significantly over the past decade. Since 2017, the popularity of youth teams for water service has been growing.
In 2024, over 9,100 volunteers were involved in swimming lessons, leading nearly 11,000 children to obtain their 'Seepferdchen' (seahorse) badge, which signifies the beginning of learning to swim. Around 21,600 children, young people, and adults successfully passed a bronze, silver, or gold swimming badge in NRW.
In addition to their work within NRW, at least 1,000 lifeguards from the two DLRG associations in NRW also support the water rescue service at the North and Baltic Seas during the summer. They spend one to two weeks of their vacation or holiday overseeing holidaymakers at one of the approximately 100 guarded beach sections between Borkum and Usedom. The seaside resorts cover travel costs, provide accommodation, and pay a daily allowance.
To ensure water safety in North Rhine-Westphalia, the DLRG has implemented initiatives like expanded training programs, public awareness campaigns, and the use of technology such as lifebuoy stations and app-based alert systems. The result is an increase in lifeguard presence, improved water safety awareness, and a decrease in drowning incidents and water-related injuries over the past decade.
The DLRG, in an effort to promote a healthier and safer lifestyle, has integrated water safety training into their community programs. This includes vocational training for lifeguards, instructors, and swimming instructors, emphasizing the importance of science in understanding water safety.
In addition to offering vocational training, the DLRG promotes fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness initiatives, encouraging lifeguards to maintain physical fitness and overall well-being. These initiatives are part of the DLRG's long-term strategy to reduce water-related incidents and improve the quality of life within their community.
