Fewer missions but new tasks for Saxony's water rescue service

The water rescue service of the German Red Cross (DRK) in Saxony has recorded fewer missions so far this year than last year. The main reason for this is the mixed summer weather, which has meant less swimming and therefore fewer missions, according to the DRK regional association. In the previous year, the volunteer lifeguards worked around 40,000 hours and completed 874 missions, including eleven rescues from drowning.

New challenges from water sports

Despite falling numbers, the work remains challenging. For example, the number of interventions in connection with water sports such as stand-up paddling or sailing is increasing. This often involves technical assistance, for example with capsized boats. The operation in Geithain in June was particularly impressive this year, when a six-year-old boy was rescued from drowning in an outdoor pool. The search for a kite surfer at Bärwalder See also showed how important manned water rescue stations are.

The number of members of the DRK Water Rescue Service in Saxony grew from 5,286 to 5,794 between 2015 and 2025. The number of young members under the age of 27 also increased slightly. "Around 90 percent of our missions are not life-threatening. But guarded bathing spots relieve the burden on rescue services and air rescue and are a quality feature for tourist destinations," said DRK spokesperson Kai Kranich.

Call for more presence

With a view to Saxony's tourism master plan, the DRK called for the expansion of tourist offers to always be combined with investments in safety. While Lake Berzdorf already has water rescue stations, there has been no regular security at Lake Bärwald for more than ten years - there is a lot of potential for development here, they said.