Lifeguard Numbers Soar in North Rhine-Westphalia as DLRG Bolsters Water Safety
Over ten thousand swift lifeguards monitor NRW's coastlines during summer season - Thousands of lifeguards on duty across North Rhine-Westphalia during the summer season.
Over 9,500 lifeguards from the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) are on duty this summer in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), marking the third consecutive year of increased lifeguard presence in Germany's most populous state.
As summer unfolds, these lifeguards will work tirelessly around 200 lakes and rivers, offering a crucial safety net to bathers and water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, they will lend support to nearly 200 swimming pools, ready to intervene swiftly when necessary.
"We overturn sailing boats, provide first aid, search for missing persons, and offer assistance to those in distress in the water," emphasized 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 helped around 9,000 others.
Sadly, unguarded rivers and lakes continue to claim lives, with at least 57 fatal drowning incidents reported in NRW last year, ten more than the year before. In response, the DLRG plans to raise awareness of these dangers even more. "No one should swim in the Rhine," emphasized Albrecht, echoing warnings from the Düsseldorf fire department about the life-threatening nature of swimming in the river. Moreover, the DLRG has issued guidelines on the risks associated with jumping into cold water, as sudden temperature changes can pose significant health hazards.
With over 164,000 members as of the end of 2024, the DLRG in NRW boasts an unprecedented membership base, a figure that represents a 13,000-member increase compared to ten years ago. "We have once again set a record," Albrecht explained, highlighting the national trend of growing DLRG membership. The number of volunteer swimming instructors and lifeguards has also seen a substantial rise over the past decade, a trend further bolstered by the growing popularity of junior teams for water service since 2017.
In 2024, over 9,100 volunteers were involved in swimming lessons, helping nearly 11,000 children achieve their “Seepferdchen” (seahorse) badge, the first milestone in learning to swim. Meanwhile, around 21,600 children, young people, and adults successfully passed a bronze, silver, or gold swimming badge in NRW.
DLRG lifeguards also offer their services beyond the borders of NRW, supporting the water rescue service at the North and Baltic Seas during the summer. Over 1,000 lifeguards from the two DLRG associations in NRW help protect around 100 guarded beach sections between Borkum and Usedom.
The DLRG's tireless efforts in North Rhine-Westphalia have likely contributed to improved water safety outcomes. For more precise data, it is advisable to contact the DLRG North Rhine-Westphalia directly.
The DLRG, in their community policy, has been investing significantly in vocational training for their lifeguards, ensuring a steady supply of skilled water safety personnel in various regions. Meanwhile, as part of a larger lifestyle and home-and-garden trend, one might envision a community outdoor-living space that includes a well-maintained swimming area, complete with well-trained lifeguards from the DLRG.
