The German rescue swimming badge (German: Deutsches Rettungsschwimmabzeichen) is awarded by the Wasserwacht of the German Red Cross and the DLRG for proficiency in rescue swimming skills. The German rescue swimming badge is awarded in bronze, silver, and in gold. The awards is available as a cloth patch, as a metal badge, or as a ribbon. The rescue swimming badges in silver and gold are permitted to be worn on uniforms of the Bundeswehr, the German Police and various rescue services as a ribbon. It is also an entry-requirement for some German Police agencies.
In 1913 the DLRG offered its first rescue swimming classes. By the year 1922, 7997 rescue swimming certificates, 2038 badges in bronze, and 676 instructors' certificates were awarded.
Requirements
At least 12 years old
Test
200 metres swim in less than 10 minutes, (100 m breaststroke and 100 m on the back without arm activity)
100 metres swim in clothing in less than 4 minutes. Afterwards, taking off clothes in the water.
Three different jumps from springboard of 1 metre height
15 metres underwater swim on one breath
Two 2-3 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring
50 metres rescue pulling or pushing stroke
50 metres lifesaving stroke
Demonstrating proficiency in avoiding holds and chokes
Demonstration of CPR
Lifting a person out of the water
Combination of:
20 metre swim
Diving and retrieving a 5 kilo ring
20 metres rescue pulling stroke
Demonstrating proficiency in (written test):
Hazards near and inside water
Respiratory and cardiovascular system
Rescue for boat accidents or ice accidents
First aid for near-drowning accidents
Duties and responsibilities
Requirements
At least 15 years old
Completion of First-Aid course
Test
400 metres swim (50 metres front crawl, 150 metres breaststroke, 200 metres pulling rescue stroke) in less than 15 minutes
300 metres swim in clothing in less than 12 minutes. Afterwards, taking off clothes in the water.
25 metres underwater swim on one breath
Jump from springboard of 3 metres height
Three 3-5 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring or a similar object
50 metres rescue pushing stroke in 1:30 minutes
Demonstrating proficiency in avoiding holds and chokes
50 metres rescue pulling stroke in less than 4 minutes, both persons wearing clothes
Combination of:
20 metres swim
Diving and retrieving a 5 kg ring in 3-5 metres depth
Breaking a hold or choke
Transporting a person 25 metres by using rescue pulling stroke
Lifting a person out of the water
Demonstrating CPR for three minutes
Demonstrating proficiency in (written test):
Hazards near and inside water
Respiratory and cardiovascular system
Rescue for boat accidents or ice accidents
First aid for near-drowning accidents
Duties and responsibilities
Using rescue devices
Duties and tasks of the lifeguard organization
Requirements
At least 16 years old
Completion of First-Aid course
Completion of rescue swimming badge in silver
Medical certificate of physical fitness
Test
300 metres swim with swim fins in less than 6 minutes (250 metres swim, 50 metres pulling a partner wearing clothes)
300 metres swim wearing clothes in less than 9 minutes. Afterwards, taking off clothes in water.
100 metres swim in less than 1:40 minutes
30 metres underwater swim on one breath while picking up at least 8 out of 10 rings from the ground
Three 3-5 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring or a similar object in less than 3 minutes
50 metres rescue pulling stroke in less than 1:30 minutes, both persons wearing clothes
50 metres rescue pulling or pushing stroke with a partner in less than 1:30 minutes (both wearing clothes).
Demonstrating proficiency in avoiding and breaking holds and chokes
Combination of:
25 metres swim in less than 30 seconds
Diving and retrieving a 5 kg ring in 3-5 metres depth
Breaking a hold or choke
Transport person 25 metres by using rescue pulling stroke in less than 60 seconds
Lifting person out of the water
Demonstrating CPR for three minutes
Demonstrating proficiency in using rescue aids:
Rescue buoy
Peterson tube
Devices for CPR
Demonstrating proficiency in (written test):
Avoiding holds and chokes
First aid
Duties and tasks of the lifeguard organization
