The local DLRG group in Idar-Oberstein was founded in 1927 and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year. "Our most important goal is to train non-swimmers to become swimmers and swimmers to become lifeguards," emphasized 1st Chairman Steven Borr. Training sessions in various disciplines are held on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Idar-Oberstein indoor pool.
Mayor Friedrich Marx thanked the members of the DLRG for their voluntary work. Swimming training in particular is becoming increasingly important, he said. "There are more and more people who can no longer swim properly, which is why swimming accidents are becoming increasingly common." But the activities of the DLRG local group go far beyond this. It also provides training for lifeguards and water rescue services. "Depending on the danger situation, the DLRG members are deployed with our blue light family and make an important contribution to safety in and around the water," says Marx, who is also head of the fire department.
The Mayor emphasized that the volunteer card is a small thank you for this valuable service. "It is a sign of recognition and appreciation for particularly intensive civic commitment." Anyone wishing to receive it must volunteer at least 5 hours a week on average.
Mayor Marx then presented the volunteer cards to the volunteers and the special anniversary volunteer card to Wolfgang Lehmann. He has been a member of the DLRG since 1972 and has been a volunteer for over 30 years. After being active in swimming training for around five years, he has been a member of the board and rescue sports officer since 2000. As such, he also plays a key role in organizing the DLRG's Edelstein Cup. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the rescue sports competition.
- Further information on the volunteer card can be found on the websites www.idar-oberstein.de or www.wir-tun-was.de. 'Wir tun 'was' is the initiative of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate for volunteering and civic participation.