District Administrator Gaarz praises DLRG: Safety for Ostholstein's coastal rescuers!

District Administrator Gaarz praises DLRG: Safety for Ostholstein's coastal rescuers!

At the end of the bathing season, District Administrator Timo Gaarz visited the DLRG (German Life Saving Society) in Grube and Dahme to find out about the central water rescue service and to thank the volunteers for their tireless efforts. The DLRG is of enormous importance for Ostholstein and ensures safety along a 185 kilometer long coastline, especially during the bathing season. Gaarz appreciated the DLRG's contribution to ensuring safety on coasts and inland ponds, where around 4,050 missions were carried out across the country last season, 2,408 of which were in Ostholstein alone. This information is presented by der-reporter.de.

Did you know that around 3,800 volunteers from all over Germany work in the DLRG? Through their dedication and commitment, they make a significant contribution to safety on beaches and lakes. During his visit, Klaus Holger Hecken, the operations manager of the Central Coastal Water Rescue Service, gave Gaarz insights into the structures of the DLRG and the organization of the rescue forces on the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas. The Central Water Rescue Service (ZWRD-K) coordinates the activities of the lifeguards and ensures that sufficient guards are available wherever there is a need. This is done in close collaboration with local groups.

Thanks to the local heroes

As part of his visit, Gaarz spoke to guard leader Leon Kuhlmann and other committed members about their motivation and the challenges they face in their work. These conversations demonstrate a strong community that is not afraid to take responsibility even in difficult situations.

A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a certificate of thanks to the DLRG team in Dahme, who were recognized for their outstanding work. Gaarz emphasized the importance of the DLRG for civil protection in Ostholstein. From October 2024, a new civil protection unit, the “Flooding Boat Group”, will be set up in the district in cooperation with the DLRG. This unit is specifically activated for water rescue in flood scenarios and is staffed by the DLRG local groups Eutin, Bosau and Bad Schwartau.

Water rescue as a central task

The DLRG has been committed to water rescue since its founding and monitors both coastal and inland areas. Even if the DLRG remains intact, the need for additional local support remains unbroken. The DLRG's area of ​​responsibility was expanded to a total of 2,300 kilometers of coast in 2010, which clearly shows the commitment of the individual regional associations and their decades of experience in organizing water rescue services. This task requires not only expertise, but also the passion to protect and save human lives. In this context, the DLRG emphasizes how important it is to continue to recruit and train committed helpers.