DLRG

The Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft e.V. (DLRG) (German Lifeguard Association) is a relief organization for life saving in Germany. The DLRG is a non-profit, independent organization based on volunteers.

Additional recommended knowledge

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Tasks

The most urgent goal of the DLRG is the creation and promotion of all activities used to fight drowning. Additional tasks are:

• Teach swimming and self-rescue to the public
• Educate the public about the dangers of swimming and how to avoid them
• Teach and train rescue swimming
• Basic and advanced training in first aid
• Help and support for water related activities
• Providing lifeguards
• Perform rescue related exercises and competitions
• Environmental protection at, on and in waters.
• Cooperation with German civil defense, especially concerning floods.

Qualifications

The DLRG trains interested members as qualified technical personnel in the following ranges:

• Swimming
• First aid
• Boating
• Rescue diver

History

On 28 July 1912, a pier in Binz on the island Rügen, Germany collapsed under the load of 1000 people waiting for the cruise steamer Kronprinz Wilhelm. Sailors of the German navy were able to save most people, but 17 people died because they could not swim, including seven children. This catastrophe caused the foundation of the "Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG)" (German lifesaving organization) on October 19 1913 in Leipzig.

With more than 770,000 members in approximately 2,200 local groups, the DLRG is the largest voluntary water rescue organization in the world.

See also

• Wasserwacht
• Lifeguard