Summertime on German beaches and lakes can be a chaotic whirl of fun and activities. With throngs of people eager to enjoy the sun and splash around, lifeguards are in high demand. Yet, there's a pressing issue: a lack of helpers. The German Lifesaving Society (DLRG) has an intriguing proposition to solve this challenge.
They're imploring employers and authorities to grant their employees special leave for water rescue work. DLRG President Ute Vogt envisions that giving "five days of special leave for voluntary work on the beach if no training leave is taken" could ignite a passion for lifeguarding in existing staff and entice new recruits. In her words, this could be a "notable selling point."
The summer season is a thriving time for lifeguards. They supervise swimming in over 1,300 open waters across Germany, from the roaring waves of the North Sea and Baltic Sea to the quiet lakes. But the work is no walk in the park; there's a plethora of challenges - from conducting swimming training to ensuring water safety. Despite these obstacles, the lifeguards' efforts have resulted in slightly fewer water-related deaths this year than the previous one.
However, Ute Vogt is cautious about declaring a positive trend, citing well above the usual number of fatalities in September 2023. Paddlers, in particular, were among the water sports enthusiasts who perished - many of them, tragically, without a life jacket. The lack of confidence in swimming abilities among children is another worry. The DLRG estimates that nearly 60% of ten-year-olds are not yet proficient swimmers.
To counter these issues, the DLRG encourages swimming lessons, and they're thrilled to report that this year, they've been able to get back to normal instruction schedules without any restrictions. However, there's still a concern regarding the number of swimming pools available. The DLRG laments that while the closure rate isn't as alarming as in previous decades, new swimming pools are hardly being built, and the existing ones are in dire need of repairs. It's been an uphill battle to maintain these facilities, and the DLRG is imploring the federal government, federal states, and local authorities for cooperation to resolve the issue.
The increasing demand for lifeguards is being met with innovative solutions. Companies can benefit from promoting this form of volunteer work by offering flexible work arrangements, providing financial incentives, supporting training, and collaborating with lifeguarding organizations. Public awareness campaigns and employee referral programs are other strategies to raise the profile of lifeguarding as a rewarding career and attract new talent. Authorities and companies can also create temporary positions providing a stepping stone for individuals to gain experience and build their skills as lifeguards.
In addition to supporting the DLRG in their endeavors, individuals can make a difference by being mindful of water safety and promoting swimming lessons within their communities. With proactive steps, we can ensure that our idyllic beach and lake experiences remain enjoyable and secure for everyone.
[1] Enrichment Data: To support lifeguarding efforts during summer seasons, companies and authorities can consider offering flexible work arrangements, financial incentives, training programs, partnerships with lifeguarding organizations, public awareness campaigns, employee referral programs, and temporary positions specifically for the summer season. These strategies can help address the shortage of lifeguards and promote water safety for everyone.
