Unable to suppress it: He finds himself powerless to keep it at bay.
In the picturesque town of Binz on Rügen island, the Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of visitors to the Baltic Sea. Among the dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time to protect beachgoers is André Murgas, a man whose story, though not widely known beyond the local community, is one of bravery, dedication, and a deep love for his duty.
For over two decades, Murgas has been a stalwart presence in Binz, advancing from a simple boat and watch volunteer to a respected leader and trainer within the DLRG. His journey began when he joined the organisation at the urging of his brother, a former swimmer who held the DDR record for the 100m breaststroke in his age group.
As a DLRG volunteer, Murgas' typical duties have ranged from monitoring swimmers, enforcing safety rules, and responding to emergencies, often involving tourists unfamiliar with local water conditions. He has also provided first aid for injuries, sunstroke, and jellyfish encounters, and taught water safety to children and adults alike. Moreover, his community engagement efforts have built trust with locals and visitors, making the beach a safer place for all.
However, Murgas' role is not without its challenges. The high season, when beaches are crowded, increases the risk of accidents. Sudden storms and unpredictable water conditions can make rescues difficult, and communication issues with non-German speakers can further complicate matters. Despite these challenges, Murgas remains steadfast in his duty.
One of the most poignant moments in Murgas' career came when he was tasked with retrieving bodies of individuals who had ventured outside of the guarded swimming hours or areas. These incidents serve as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety rules. Murgas emphasises the need for swimmers to respect the designated areas and hours, stressing that their lives could depend on it.
Murgas' commitment to his role has not gone unnoticed. The local tourism office covers the accommodation costs for the water rescuers, a testament to the value they bring to the community. Murgas and his fellow rescuers receive compensation for their efforts, a recognition of the risks they take and the sacrifices they make.
As July approaches, Murgas will once again return to Binz to take care of beach safety. However, he has plans to retire and come back only as a vacationer, possibly penning a book about his experiences. He hopes to find two or three successors from the youth to lead the station in the future, ensuring that the tradition of dedicated lifeguarding continues.
Binz and the Baltic Sea hold a special place in Murgas' heart. The beach, promenade, spa architecture, comfortable accommodation for lifeguards, unique sea conditions, and the team of lifeguards all contribute to this special bond. For Murgas, serving as a water rescuer is more than just a duty—it's a passion.
For those interested in learning more about Murgas' personal journey, reaching out to the DLRG Binz or local community resources would be the most effective way to do so. While his story may not be widely known, the experiences of DLRG lifeguards like him are vital for beach safety at Rügen’s Baltic Sea coast.
In his role as a DLRG volunteer, André Murgas not only monitors swimmers and enforces safety rules but also provides first aid and teaches water safety, demonstrating a passion for sports and ensuring the safety of beachgoers. Despite the challenges, such as crowded high seasons and communication issues, Murgas remains dedicated to his duty and fosters a safer beach environment through community engagement.
