The German Life Saving Association[1][2] (German: Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft or DLRG) is a relief organization for life saving in Germany. The DLRG is the largest voluntary lifesaving organization in the world.[3]
Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | DLRG |
|---|---|
| Formation | October 19, 1913 |
| Founded at | Leipzig, Deutschland |
| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | Registered |
| Headquarters | Bad Nenndorf, Germany |
Region | Germany |
Membership (2020) | 551,664 |
Official language | German |
Key people | Ute Vogt (President) |
Parent organization | International Life Saving Federation |
| Website | www |
With around 560,000 members, organised in approximately 2,100 local groups, the DLRG is the largest voluntary water rescue organization in the world. More than one million regular donors support the work of the DLRG.
Tasks
editThe 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 people about the dangers of swimming and how to avoid them
- Teach and train rescue swimming
- Basic and advanced training in First Aid
- Help and technical safety support for water related activities
- Providing lifeguards at public places
- Perform rescue related exercises and water sports competitions
- Environmental protection at, on and in waters.
- Cooperation with German civil defense, especially concerning floods.
- International Response Units
- International Operations (Lifeguards in Spain are often trained by DLRG members)
Qualifications
editThe DLRG trains interested members as qualified technical personnel in the following ranges:
- Swimming
- First aid / Advanced First aid
- Boating
- Rescue diver
- Swift water rescue
- Radio and Communication Systems
History
edit
On 28 July 1912, a pier in Binz on the island Rügen, Germany, collapsed under the load of 1,000 people waiting for the cruise steamer Kronprinz Wilhelm. Sailors of the German navy were able to save most people, but 16 people died because they could not swim, including two children. This catastrophe led to the foundation of the "Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG)" (German lifesaving organization) on 19 October 1913 in Leipzig.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft e.V." International Life Saving Federation. Retrieved 2019-01-08.
German Life Saving Association
- ^ "Featured Organization: German Life Saving Association (DLRG)". International Surf Lifesaving Association. Retrieved 2019-01-08.
- ^ "Kurzdarstellung" [Summary]. DLRG.de (in German). Archived from the original on 2017-04-04. Retrieved 2017-06-05.