50 years of DLRG Butjadingen: Lifesavers celebrate their success story!

50 years of DLRG Butjadingen: Lifesavers celebrate their success story!

The DLRG Butjadingen local group recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The celebrations took place in Stollhamm and brought together numerous representatives from clubs, the community and the district. The participants also included District Administrator Stephan Siefken, Mayor Axel Linneweber and CDU member of the state parliament Björn Thümler, who in their greetings emphasized the important role of the DLRG for security on the coast. This success story is not only a celebration of its existence, but also of its commitment to safety along Butjadingen's 35 kilometers of coastline and canals.

The local group is active in all key areas of the German Life Saving Society, including water rescue, swimming training and disaster control. Rainer Przyklang, the honorary chairman and co-founder, gave a moving speech in which he traced the development of the association. The first bases were founded in 1968 and 1969 in Burhave, Tossens and Eckwarderhörne. In 1975 the lifeguards in Nordenham were separated, meaning that the DLRG Butjadingen became independent.

Commitment over five decades

Over the past 50 years, the DLRG Butjadingen has trained an impressive 15,000 lifeguards. With currently 389 members, 193 of whom are young people, the commitment to training the younger generation is evident. The local group has also already accepted 4,188 seahorses and 8,753 youth swimming badges. Equipped with five boats and three vehicles equipped with radio and special signaling systems, the lifesavers are always ready to intervene in an emergency.

The local group's record in numbers is quite impressive: a total of 290,000 waking hours were worked, which also includes ten documented life-savings. These services underline the indispensable role of the DLRG in local security and tourism.

Safety even in winter

Another act by the DLRG that shows the diversity of its commitment took place on January 14, 2024. On this day, members of the DLRG carried out an ice rescue exercise on a frozen lake. They tested rescue techniques in freezing temperatures to prepare for potential emergencies. Freshly frozen ice surfaces are often thin and unstable, which makes such exercises essential.

At the same time, the DLRG has created new bathing rules for young people to explain behavior around the water. These rules are part of a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of young swimmers and were supported by the Feuerbach indoor swimming pool being named a “Training-Friendly Pool” in the 2022/2023 lifesaving/lifesport category. This award was presented on December 14, 2023 by the DLRG Landesverband Württemberg e.V. and the Water Rescue Foundation.

The DLRG also encourages safety when stand-up paddling by sharing important tips: never paddle alone, check weather and water conditions in advance and always wear a life jacket. These initiatives demonstrate the DLRG's ongoing commitment to safety and training in all areas.

The DLRG therefore remains not only a pillar of rescue sports, but also a committed partner in the community that takes and promotes the self-protection of each individual seriously. The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the DLRG Butjadingen is a highlight in the history of this important organization and reinforces its essential role in social security.

For further information on the activities of the DLRG Butjadingen and its successes see NWZonline and the DLRG Stuttgart district.