Protective equipment for our upcoming lifesavers

We as the DLRG local group Betzdorf/Kirchen have been involved in swimming education and water rescue since 1963. We see our core tasks in teaching even the smallest children to swim safely and to contribute to making the element of water safer for everyone. Therefore, we are also active in general assistance and civil protection, where we can provide well-trained forces especially in the areas of current rescue and diving. But unfortunately, recent developments show that, due to the climate crisis, severe weather and flooding events will occur more frequently and to a greater extent. Here, all rescue organizations are faced with challenges of unknown proportions.
We as a local group have therefore decided to establish a youth response team in order to introduce our youngest lifesavers to the field. In regular exercises on our local waters, operational procedures are trained and dangers are identified and sensitized.
However, for safe exercise procedures it is essential to wear complete and fitting protective clothing, which we are still lacking. These include:
- Weatherproof jackets and pants
- Safety shoes, gloves and helmets
- Wetsuits
- Special life jackets and impact vests

Our local group is mainly financed by membership fees and donations, which is why we urgently need support for such purchases.