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Dramatic rescue exercise: DLRG saves lives on the Rhine!
DLRG practiced realistic rescue operations on the Rhine in Wesel on November 8, 2025. Goal: effective cooperation between emergency services.
Dramatic rescue exercise: DLRG saves lives on the Rhine!
On November 8, 2025, the DLRG District Wesel e.V. carried out a demanding operational exercise on the Rhine. Together with the DLRG local group Moers-Rheinkamp e.V., numerous emergency services gathered in Wesel to rehearse an emergency in a realistic scenario. A total of three boat teams and two current rescue teams were on site, which drove to Dinslaken with blue flags and flashing lights.
The training scenario was dramatic: missing canoeists on the Rhine. As soon as the teams lowered the boats into the water, the search began. The missing canoeists were discovered near the old mouth of the Emscher. However, access from the water was not possible, so the rescuers had to abseil down to reach the victims over land.
Crisis management and teamwork
The exercise took a new turn when a mayday call came in over the radio: a pilotless boat was drifting on the Rhine. When rescue teams arrived at the scene, they found an unconscious driver and a passenger in shock. Both were handed over to the emergency services as quickly as possible. The driverless boat was secured and taken to a dock.
Particular attention was also paid to the realism of the exercise. Volunteers acted as casualties, which made the rescue mission even more authentic. Patrick Polzin, the deputy operations manager for the Wesel district, played a key role in organizing this important exercise and was also satisfied with how it went at the end.
The role of flow rescuers
A central part of this exercise was the role of the flow rescuers. According to DLRG information, these specialists work in strong currents and are composed of at least three rescuers, with one taking the lead. They specialize in rescue and search on small rivers as well as in whitewater and flood situations. Safe working is ensured by special protective equipment, which is essential in a scenario like this.
This comprehensive training for river rescuers ensures that they are able to act quickly and effectively even in critical situations such as floods. They are available as part of a team, support other rescue workers and are often also active in disaster relief.
It is essential for the DLRG that its members regularly take part in such exercises. It is part of ongoing training in the water rescue service. For those who would like to become part of this exciting and important work, the DLRG offers various training opportunities that not only impart the necessary technical knowledge, but also promote personal safety and teamwork. Further information can be found on the DLRG website under Participate – Flow Rescuer.
After the exercise, all forces returned to the guard station of the DLRG local group in Dinslaken. During a debriefing, there was reinforcement and the rescuers reflected on their experiences. The feedback is important in order to further improve cooperation between the local groups - because every hand counts in the water rescue service, and well-trained emergency services are more in demand than ever.
The DLRG not only offers high quality training, but also promotes community commitment to safety on and around the water. Anyone who is interested in training as a water rescuer can find out more about the water rescuer training course at the Bundesakademie DLRG.