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New lifeboat Editha saves lives on the Elbe in Magdeburg!
On July 1, 2025, the DLRG Magdeburg received its new lifeboat “Editha” to improve the water rescue service.
New lifeboat Editha saves lives on the Elbe in Magdeburg!
On July 1, 2025, a new beacon of hope for water rescue will shine in Magdeburg! As part of a ceremonial handover in Bad Nenndorf, the DLRG Magdeburg e.V. received a modern lifeboat called “Editha”. This new boat replaces the old emergency vehicle called Otto and was made possible with generous funding of over 70% from the German Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband. A total of 30 lifeboats were distributed to DLRG local groups from all over Germany that day. Magdeburger News reports that the total financing was around 300,000 euros.
The “Editha” not only scores points with a 30 hp engine, which is particularly used in strong currents on rivers, but also with a well thought-out material and fastening concept that makes it a maneuverable and effective lifeboat. Equipped with a high-quality lighting system, “Editha” will soon become an indispensable partner in water rescue in the region. After the handover, the boat was used in two operations on the Elbe, including in a serious incident when a search was being carried out for two missing people. Tag24 reports that the DLRG Magdeburg has already carried out an average of 16 missions per year in the past and can always rely on the valuable cooperation with the water police as well as the professional and voluntary fire brigade.
Volunteers intervene
The DLRG Magdeburg consists of around 35 volunteers who regularly receive further training at a weekly training evening on Mondays at 6 p.m. at Rötgerstrasse 8. The more dedicated hands that come on board, the better the organization can fulfill its important task. In 2024, the DLRG was able to save 1,446 people nationwide from drowning, as a report by the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) shows. A total of 54,802 volunteers were active in Germany. DGOU emphasizes that the DLRG depends on citizens getting involved in the organization in order to continue saving human lives in the future.
The DLRG is more than just an emergency organization - it also takes care of swimming training, looks after over 1,200 swimming pools and open waters and fights against the dangers of being in the water, especially for older people, of whom around 60 percent of those who drowned last year were over 55 years old. It is therefore very important to continue to focus on prevention and education.
With the new boat “Editha”, the DLRG Magdeburg shows once again that it has a good knack for the needs of water rescue. The commitment and ongoing training of the volunteer members are the key to their success and a guarantee that lives can continue to be saved in the future.