DLRG reports 200,000 children as members for the first time - Germany's Lifesaving Boom Clashes With Shrinking Public Pools
Germany's swimming and lifesaving training programmes are facing growing pressure as demand surges. The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) has seen record numbers of young members, with over 200,000 children now part of the organisation. Yet, a shrinking number of public pools and limited capacity are making it harder to meet the need for lessons and training.
Last year, the DLRG reported its highest-ever youth membership. The number of children aged 12 and under rose by 5,615 in just 12 months, bringing the total to 204,148. Nearly half of all DLRG members are now 18 or younger, reflecting a sharp increase in interest among young people.
Despite this growth, training opportunities remain limited. Pools across Germany are running at full capacity, and in some regions, there simply aren't enough facilities to keep up with demand. The situation is worsened by the steady decline in public swimming pools. Reports suggest around 80 pools close each year due to structural issues or renovation needs. Recent examples include closures or restrictions in Neuhaus am Rennweg and Siegen, though no nationwide total for 2023 has been confirmed.
DLRG President Ute Vogt has highlighted the poor state of Germany's pools as a major obstacle. With fewer venues available, swimming lessons and lifesaving courses are becoming harder to access. Many areas now face long waiting lists for beginner classes, leaving families struggling to secure spots.
The rise in DLRG youth membership shows strong interest in swimming and lifesaving skills. However, the ongoing loss of public pools and limited pool capacity are creating barriers to training. Without more investment in facilities, the gap between demand and availability is likely to widen.
