The German Life-Saving Society (DLRG) is advocating for mandatory life vest usage, particularly for children participating in water sports. Ute Vogt, President of the DLRG, expressed the view that while she generally prefers to avoid immediate mandates, requiring children to wear life vests would significantly reduce accidents.
This call for increased safety measures comes following a tragic incident in early July when a boy and his father drowned in the Eibsee, near Bavaria, after the child fell from a rented pedal boat. Both victims were reported to be non-swimmers. Vogt, who has led the DLRG since 2021, believes a life vest requirement for those renting water sports equipment is a sensible precaution.
With the start of summer holidays in Southern Germany, Vogt also emphasized the importance of strategically allocating funds from a dedicated infrastructure fund towards swimming facilities. She highlighted the challenges faced by DLRG local chapters, frequently traveling significant distances – sometimes up to an hour – to provide swimming lessons for children, especially in rural areas. Vogt urged collaboration between federal, state and local governments to ensure every primary school has accessible swimming provision. A model similar to municipal industrial estates, with shared municipal swimming centers, was proposed.
Finally, Vogt suggested employers should provide volunteer DLRG members with time off as compensation for their service. Recognizing the significant time commitment involved, she stated that a formal acknowledgment, such as paid leave days, would be an appropriate gesture of appreciation.