Arnstädter Wasserwacht is crowned German lifeguard champion!

Arnstädter Wasserwacht is crowned German lifeguard champion!

A beautiful piece of local history was written last Saturday on the picturesque North Sea island of Wangerooge. The 45th national lifeguarding competition took place here Arnstadt water rescue service celebrated a brilliant success. The team secured first place among 250 participants from 19 teams. What excitement!

The competition was a novelty because it was the first time that it was held on a North Sea island, organized by DRK regional association Oldenburg. In the morning session, competitors competed in “country part tasks” involving first aid, environmental protection and knowledge of the Red Cross. In the afternoon we went into the cool water, where the swimming disciplines took place in the open air - a very special experience in the North Sea.

The challenges and impressive achievements

The competitions not only challenged the physical fitness, but also the practical skills of the lifeguards. Valuable points were collected in five different swimming disciplines. Andreas Paatz, Federal Head of the DRK Water Rescue Service, emphasized the importance of social support for the helpers and called for increased support for swimming training in schools. “A certain basic level of fitness is required to complete the training,” says Paatz. Every active member of the water rescue service should have at least the silver lifeguard badge in order to be optimally prepared.

The last hour of the competition was dedicated to the coronation: First place went to the Arnstädter Wasserwacht, while the women's team from Saxony and the men's team from Bavaria took second and third places. Information about training standards show that the preparation for such competitions is extensive, because after acquiring the swimming badge, further training follows that deepens the knowledge of knotting, resuscitation and special rescues.

The value of community

The entire event was characterized by a positive atmosphere and the community spirit that prevails in the club and rescue structures. Further greetings came from high-ranking representatives such as Maria Bruns, Vice President of the DRK Oldenburg regional association, and Rieka Beewen, representative of the municipality of Wangerooge. They all emphasized the importance of such competitions in strengthening lifeguards and their essential role in society.

This day will be remembered by the participants, especially the team from Arnstadt, as an unforgettable experience and will increase their anticipation for future competitions.