Growth in tourism at lakes challenges water rescue services

The water rescue service of the German Red Cross (DRK) is well prepared for the upcoming swimming season in Saxony. Over the past few months, intensive training has been carried out, new emergency personnel have been trained and technology and rescue equipment have been made ready for use, according to the DRK. More than 5,900 men and women are working to ensure people's swimming safety in the state, including 71 youth groups.

Despite the rather cool swimming season in 2025, lifeguards saved 18 lives in Saxony and handed over patients to the rescue service for initial treatment in 149 cases. In total, they completed 1,769 missions, slightly fewer than in 2024.

More challenges due to greater lake tourism

The DRK emphasized that the expansion of water tourism in the Lusatian Lakeland and the Leipzig New Lakeland had increased the tasks. With the growth in tourism, the number of people using the waters in the state for swimming, water sports and recreation is also increasing, it said. The water rescue service welcomes this development and is prepared to take responsibility for safety on the waters.

At the same time, the safety structure in many places is not keeping pace with the growth in tourism. According to the DRK, not even half of the 35 designated EU bathing waters in Saxony are currently regularly guarded. Experience shows that where water rescue stations are manned, safety for bathers and water sports enthusiasts also increases significantly.