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 oldTest
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 height15 metres underwater swim on one breathTwo 2-3 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring50 metres rescue pulling or pushing stroke50 metres lifesaving strokeDemonstrating proficiency in avoiding holds and chokesDemonstration of CPRLifting a person out of the waterCombination of:20 metre swimDiving and retrieving a 5 kilo ring20 metres rescue pulling strokeDemonstrating proficiency in (written test):Hazards near and inside waterRespiratory and cardiovascular systemRescue for boat accidents or ice accidentsFirst aid for near-drowning accidentsDuties and responsibilitiesRequirements
At least 15 years oldCompletion of First-Aid courseTest
400 metres swim (50 metres front crawl, 150 metres breaststroke, 200 metres pulling rescue stroke) in less than 15 minutes300 metres swim in clothing in less than 12 minutes. Afterwards, taking off clothes in the water.25 metres underwater swim on one breathJump from springboard of 3 metres heightThree 3-5 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring or a similar object50 metres rescue pushing stroke in 1:30 minutesDemonstrating proficiency in avoiding holds and chokes50 metres rescue pulling stroke in less than 4 minutes, both persons wearing clothesCombination of:20 metres swimDiving and retrieving a 5 kg ring in 3-5 metres depthBreaking a hold or chokeTransporting a person 25 metres by using rescue pulling strokeLifting a person out of the waterDemonstrating CPR for three minutesDemonstrating proficiency in (written test):Hazards near and inside waterRespiratory and cardiovascular systemRescue for boat accidents or ice accidentsFirst aid for near-drowning accidentsDuties and responsibilitiesUsing rescue devicesDuties and tasks of the lifeguard organizationRequirements
At least 16 years oldCompletion of First-Aid courseCompletion of rescue swimming badge in silverMedical certificate of physical fitnessTest
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 minutes30 metres underwater swim on one breath while picking up at least 8 out of 10 rings from the groundThree 3-5 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring or a similar object in less than 3 minutes50 metres rescue pulling stroke in less than 1:30 minutes, both persons wearing clothes50 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 chokesCombination of:25 metres swim in less than 30 secondsDiving and retrieving a 5 kg ring in 3-5 metres depthBreaking a hold or chokeTransport person 25 metres by using rescue pulling stroke in less than 60 secondsLifting person out of the waterDemonstrating CPR for three minutesDemonstrating proficiency in using rescue aids:Rescue buoyPeterson tubeDevices for CPRDemonstrating proficiency in (written test):Avoiding holds and chokesFirst aidDuties and tasks of the lifeguard organization
