The German Lifesaving Society (DLRG) has recorded a historic increase in membership, reaching over 642,000 people by the end of 2025. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that, for the first time in the organization's history, the number of children under the age of 12 has exceeded the 200,000 mark. Despite recruitment successes, the organization warns of the critical state of pool infrastructure and insufficient capacity to conduct swimming courses.

Historic record number of children

For the first time in the history of the DLRG, the number of its youngest members exceeded 200,000, indicating growing interest in water rescue.

Crisis in pool infrastructure

The organization warns that poor and deteriorating pools and a lack of staff limit the ability to conduct swimming courses for thousands of interested individuals.

Growth in all federal states

The growth trend is visible across Germany, with the highest increases recorded in Hamburg (8.7%) and Bavaria.

The German Lifesaving Society (DLRG), the world's largest water rescue organization, is experiencing unprecedented popularity among the youngest. By the end of 2025, the number of children up to 12 years old stood at 204,148, representing an increase of 2.83 percent year-on-year. This trend is particularly significant in the context of Germany's aging society, as emphasized by the organization's president, Ute Vogt. The total number of members increased by nearly 15,000 compared to the previous year, reaching 642,000 declared members nationwide. The highest growth rate was observed in Hamburg (8.7%), while in Bavaria, the organization already counts over 41,500 members. The DLRG was founded in 1913 in Leipzig as a reaction to the Binz pier disaster on the island of Rügen, where a pier collapsed under the weight of people, leading to many drowning before helpless onlookers. Despite record interest, the DLRG faces serious structural barriers. Many branches, including those in Saxony-Anhalt, have reached the limits of their operational capacity. The main problems are a shortage of instructors and the poor technical condition of local swimming pools. Representatives of the association in Bavaria openly criticize the poor infrastructure, which prevents shortening the long waiting lists for swimming courses. For ten-year-old Emma from Barsinghausen, swimming with the DLRG is a passion, but for the organization, it is primarily a mission to improve water safety, which requires systemic support for the modernization of sports facilities across the country. 2015: 184500, 2024: 198533, 2025: 204148 „Even in an aging society, we have the chance to find enough young talent.” — Ute Vogt 204,148 — children under 12 belong to the DLRG DLRG Membership Statistics (2024 vs 2025): : → ; : → ; : →

Mentioned People

  • Ute Vogt — President of the German Lifesaving Society (DLRG).
  • Andreas Rösch — Spokesperson for the Bavarian branch of the DLRG.