DLRG Cologne celebrates 100 years of rescue and receives the KölnEngagiert” award!

DLRG Cologne celebrates 100 years of rescue and receives the KölnEngagiert” award!

An honorable event is just around the corner for the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) Cologne: the 100th anniversary of rescue operations will be celebrated on September 27th. For this impressive commitment, the association was also awarded the “KölnEngagiert” volunteer award. This is particularly good news for the members, including long-time companions such as Alexander Lustig (55), who has been active for 44 years and currently serves as deputy district manager. Kian Shahbodaghi (21), who has been an active member and press spokesman of the DLRG since childhood, and new member Katharina Schmeißer (20), who joined the club a year and a half ago, also appreciate the strong community and the opportunity to save lives.

However, the DLRG Cologne is not only proud of its history. Despite the celebrations, the club is also concerned about the current swimming accidents in the Rhine. As numerous reports show, swimming in the Rhine has increased in recent years, significantly increasing the risks. The Rhine, which is Germany's largest international shipping route, is not only characterized by commercial shipping and passenger ships, but is also attracting more and more recreational athletes. The DLRG observes that many people underestimate the dangers - even ankle-deep water can be dangerous. The organization emphasizes that strong currents and irregular bottoms pose risks that should be taken seriously.

Support for water safety

In view of the latest developments, the city council has decided to ban bathing in the Rhine, although this is not yet legally binding. Shahbodaghi emphasizes that this ban sends an important security signal, but monitoring will be difficult. The DLRG supports the bathing ban, but sees the need to be present at known hotspots in order to avoid dangerous situations there.

In addition, the DLRG provides valuable support during emergency calls. In the event of an alarm, a rescue chain is activated and the DLRG works hand in hand with the fire department. It's important to know that every emergency call is treated equally, even though false alarms are common. Members of the DLRG are trained to raise awareness among those making emergency calls so that they themselves do not end up in danger.

The role of the water rescue service

The DLRG is part of a larger water rescue network that is committed to preventing drowning accidents nationwide. Around 140,000 volunteers in Germany work to ensure that water remains safe. For example, trained members are available to train non-swimmers to become swimmers and to inform them about the dangers of and in the water. Their tasks also include securing bathing areas and events. According to the water rescue service, the use is not just limited to everyday life; they are also active in disaster relief. This requires extensive training and modern equipment to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies.

In Cologne, the DLRG also maintains a rescue station in Köln Poll, which is open on weekends and public holidays from May to October. The members are regularly on duty here and contribute to the safety of all bathers and water sports enthusiasts. During operations on the Rhine, which has a total length of 1,320 kilometers, the Cologne city area takes up 40 kilometers. The DLRG sees itself as having a responsibility to make these beautiful and eventful waters safe.

A strong network, volunteer commitment and a clear goal: The DLRG Cologne is passionately committed to water safety and is a shining example of exemplary volunteerism in our city. In view of the upcoming celebrations that mark the centenary of their rescue operations, the anticipation is palpable - and that is exactly the spirit that holds Cologne together.