Water Rescue Report: Nearly Twice as Many Lives Saved

Children in the water, searches for missing persons, and CPR—the German Red Cross (DRK) Water Rescue Service has recorded nearly twice as many life-saving operations in Saxony this swimming season as it did last year. This is according to an initial report from the Water Rescue Service covering the first eight months of the year. From January through August, the organization rescued people from life-threatening situations in a total of 32 operations—compared to just 18 life-saving operations in 2025.

These were the most serious incidents

According to a survey of local Water Rescue teams, the most serious incidents in 2026 included several cases in which children nearly drowned. “In several cases, water rescue personnel were able to prevent worse outcomes through their rapid response,” the report stated. In addition, there was a resuscitation following a fall into the water from a height of about 15 meters and a serious diving accident resulting in a neck injury. There was also a search for a missing person followed by the recovery of a body, as well as a lightning strike at a campground that affected five people. In total, the DRK water rescue teams have recorded 725 operations so far this year.

Last week, the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) published figures on this year’s drowning deaths. As of September 15 of this year, the DLRG had counted 19 people who had drowned in the Free State of Saxony—a total of ten more than during the same period last year.

Heat Led to More Calls

“The hot days of summer, in particular, had a noticeable impact on the number of calls,” said Kai Kranich, spokesperson for the DRK Water Rescue Service in Saxony. Rescue crews often had to assist with circulatory problems, brief fainting spells, and dehydration. The Water Rescue Service did not specify whether the heat had generally led to more water rescue operations. 

The Water Rescue Service is the water rescue organization of the German Red Cross. It ensures the safety of swimmers by stationing lifeguards at swimming pools and bodies of water. According to its own figures, the Water Rescue Service in Saxony has a total of just under 6,000 members.