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River rescue in progress: Lifeboat saves late swimmer from Rhine waterways

Yesterday, members of the Wiesbaden-Schierstein DLRG district group were notified by water police about a swimmer in distress in the Rhine, close to Walluf.

Last-minute swimmer pulled from Rhine river by German rescue boat
Last-minute swimmer pulled from Rhine river by German rescue boat

River rescue in progress: Lifeboat saves late swimmer from Rhine waterways

Wiesbaden's DLRG and Fire Department Rescue Swimmer in Distress on the Rhine

In a coordinated effort, volunteers from the Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG) Wiesbaden and Schierstein district association, along with the local fire department, successfully rescued a swimmer in distress near Walluf on the Rhine yesterday.

The incident began when the PD Rheingau-Taunus issued a press release, reporting a weakened swimmer who was under the influence of drugs and experiencing cramps. The affected individual was spotted by the crew of a rescue boat from the Schierstein harbor tip, just in time before a cargo ship was due to pass.

The DLRG, a volunteer-based water rescue service, plays a crucial role in providing water safety, rescue, and emergency response in Wiesbaden. Their duties include preventing drowning and water accidents, conducting water rescue operations, and coordinating with other emergency services like the fire department.

In this case, the DLRG's swift response was crucial. The rescue boats, equipped with specialized gear, were deployed at the station in no time, ready for action in emergencies. The Integrated Control Center Wiesbaden was informed in parallel.

The DLRG stations in Wiesbaden are occupied by volunteers on a rotating basis, with the duty station staffed from 10:00 to 18:00 on Sundays and public holidays, and from 13:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays.

Initial medical care was provided by the deployment forces on the boat, and the person was later handed over to the crew of an alerted rescue vehicle and the police on land.

The fire department and DLRG urge people to be aware of the dangers of swimming in the Rhine due to strong currents and shipping risks. It is always recommended to use designated swimming areas, supervised lakes, or public baths for safety.

This incident underscores the importance of the DLRG's work in Wiesbaden, ensuring the safety of those who enjoy the city's water bodies. Their commitment to teamwork, water safety, and rescue readiness is evident in their diligent efforts to protect lives in and around water.

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