DLRG Essen District – Water Rescue, Training and Prevention

The DLRG Essen District is a long-established and dedicated part of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG), committed for over a century to the protection and safety of people on, in, and around the water. In addition to water rescue services and the training of lifeguards, prevention and education regarding the dangers on, in, and around the water are key areas of focus. Baldeneysee, the waterways of Essen and bodies of water in general, are of great importance.

The first local branch of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) in Essen was founded as early as 1919 – initially without an official board, but with around 400 members dedicated to lifesaving. The district was officially founded on October 16, 1925. In the following years, the first permanent rescue stations were established along the Rhine-Herne Canal and the Ruhr River – two waterways that, then as now, held great appeal for the public. With the development of the Baldeneysee rescue boat in the early 1930s, the operational area of the DLRG Essen expanded considerably. The DLRG Essen branch received its first motorized rescue boat, followed by a permanent rescue station in Heisingen. The rescue station in Essen-Heisingen remains the heart of the local branch to this day. It serves as a central point of contact and also as a training center.

Today the district has around 2,000 members and operates two permanent watch stations on the Baldeneysee in the Essen districts of Heisingen and Bredeney as well as a mobile station on the Ruhr River, which is used by the Youth Emergency Team (JET). The tasks of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) at the Baldeneysee station and on Essen's waterways are diverse: Especially on weekends and during events such as regattas, dragon boat races, or "Ruhr in Flames," up to 70 lifeguards ensure safety. This water rescue service is then deployed with up to six motor rescue boats and one emergency vehicle. The training of lifeguards is another important area covered for Essen. In addition, there is youth work. Through training courses, workshops, and public relations work within the framework of prevention and education, awareness of water safety is raised among the population.