The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) with over 1.7 million members and supporters is the biggest water rescue organization in the world. Since formation in 1913 its goal is the prevention of drowning. Patron is the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The DLRG is an integral part of the disaster prevention and civil defense concepts in all German Federal States. In cooperation with all organizations like THW, fire brigades, German Army, Federal Police and others we play our part in dealing with disasters. The flood disaster last year in Nort Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate made clear, what the DLRG can do in disaster control, especially with its switfwater rescue units. In many cities and administrative districts the local emergency service control centres call out our units. That makes coordinated missions in cooperation with fire brigades, THW, German Army, Federal Police and rescue service possible.