Rewritten Input:
Hey there! Let's dive into the discussion about special leave for lifeguards, a subject the German Lifesaving Society recently brought up. German companies and authorities are encouraged to grant more time off for water rescue work, as suggested by DLRG President Ute Vogt. Picture this: employers offering five days of special leave for voluntary beach work, as long as no training leave is taken. Sounds like a great opportunity to get more actively involved, right? Plus, it could potentially lure in new lifeguard trainees.
Companies could rake in some benefits from this arrangement, according to Vogt. It's a winning factor for both current employees and those joining the team. The DLRG is now on a hunt for new lifeguards for the upcoming 2024 swimming season. The pandemic had its toll, causing the training of an entire cohort, and limiting pool hours, leading to various challenges.
The lifeguards oversee swimming at more than 1,300 open water locations across Germany, including many North and Baltic Sea beaches. Vogt aspires to inspire more people to be active participants in water safety, recognizing the challenges faced in water training and usage.
Unfortunately, the number of water-related deaths may not be dropping as fast as we'd like. As of the end of summer vacations in 2023, the DLRG had counted 263 deaths - 41 fewer than the previous year. Yet, Vogt cautions against celebrating this slight drop in fatalities, attributing it to the extended rainy and cool temperatures in July and August.
July and August, unfortunately, didn't bring an uptick in deadly accidents. As a matter of fact, the total number of fatalities rose in the warm September of 2023, with 41 deaths - the highest in six years. Paddlers and swimmers often neglected precautions, leading to tragic incidents.
While only about 40% of ten-year-olds in Germany can swim confidently, the DLRG observed a positive trend in 2023. At the beginning of the year, they managed to provide swimming lessons without facing the restrictions experienced during the pandemic, a feat not seen since 2019.
Factors like skyrocketing energy prices and the gas shortage had a significant impact on swimming activities in 2022. However, the association led a nationwide campaign in May focusing on the importance of learning to swim with the first swimming badge. They plan to expand the campaign in 2024.
One crucial aspect for swimming lessons and training is the availability of indoor swimming pools. The DLRG argues that while there might not be a significant reduction in the number of pools, more are closing than opening, and existing pools require renovation. Vogt criticizes the small funding pots and the lack of opportunities for pool maintenance, calling for cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities to address the multibillion-euro renovation backlog.
Now, picture employers in popular areas for swimming and water sports, like Bad Nenndorf in Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, implementing supportive measures for their lifeguard employees. How about offering certification and training courses, wellness programs, social support, leisure time activities, and recognition? Or perhaps offering flexible schedules and mental health resources? Employers can truly make a difference in encouraging and supporting their lifeguard workforce, ensuring everyone's well-being and job satisfaction.
