A head keeps popping up, then an arm. No cry for help can be heard: a so-called “silent drowning” is simulated. The exercise of the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) in the Main looks deceptively real. Sándor Miczi plays the drowning man. His colleague Christoph Graf-Hadry coordinates the operation. When someone is about to drown, it is often difficult for outsiders to see.
“It’s not like in the movies that someone is screaming for help and waving their arms wildly.” DLRG Operations Manager Christoph Graf-Hadry
The people would then simply have no more strength. That is why it is all the more important to take care of fellow human beings and to be considerate in and around the water. The lifeguards advise: intervene in good time and get help and dial the emergency number 112. That could save lives.
Volunteer around the clock
Current rescuer Tim Frieß has been with the DLRG since he was 12 years old. The 21-year-old student now heads the “Training” department in Würzburg. He specializes in operations in floods and raging rivers. He is now practicing rescuing his colleague in the water efficiently and quickly.
Boats and alcohol don’t mix
So-called party or barbecue boats are often used by the rescuers. Such vehicles up to 15 hp may be driven from the age of 18 without a driver’s license. Technical ignorance is one thing. On the other hand, alcohol is often involved on the water, current rescuer Tim Frieß knows from experience. Then many people would no longer be able to deal with the responsibility they have on a waterway like the Main.
High suction effect of ships
The suction effect of large ships and the heat in summer also pose dangers. For example, stand-up paddlers who are overheated and fall into the water can get a shock.
“Even an experienced swimmer can have such health problems that he simply sinks.” Christoph Graf-Hadry, DLRG Würzburg
From the sunken car in the Main to an average of two corpse rescues a year – the work often challenges the Würzburg helpers.
Adhere to the bathing rules
Anyone who is outdoors should wear light clothing, drink plenty of fluids and avoid physical exertion as much as possible. Otherwise there is a risk of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Swimmers should cool down before entering the water and only jump into water that is clear and deep enough.
Fewer and fewer children can swim safely
According to the German Life Saving Society, more than half of all children cannot swim safely by the end of primary school. There is an enormous backlog. At the same time, swimming courses are often fully booked, and swimming pools are closed or in need of renovation due to the energy crisis. There is a lack of trained staff. Many families are currently waiting up to a year and a half for a place on the beginners’ course.
“Swimming is a cultural technique like reading, writing and arithmetic. Every child must be able to master it by the end of elementary school.” Ute Vogt, President of the DLRG
About the DLRG
With over 1.7 million members and sponsors, the DLRG is the largest water rescue organization in the world. Since it was founded in 1913, its mission has been to save people from drowning. Patron is Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The DLRG is the largest private provider of swimming training and number one in lifeguard training in Germany. From 1950 to 2020, she has completed over 22.7 million swimming exams and nearly five million lifeguard exams. In around 2,000 organizations, the voluntary helpers do almost six million hours of voluntary work for the people of Germany every year. The core tasks of the DLRG are swimming and lifeguard training, education about water hazards and the water rescue service. Around 41,000 members monitor the safety of bathers and water sports enthusiasts for more than two million hours a year.
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