The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) issued fewer seahorses in Saxony last year than in the previous year. According to the DLRG, 601 children received the early swimmer badge in 2024, compared to 643 in 2023. Nationwide, the number rose to 57,601.
However, children are only considered safe swimmers once they have achieved the bronze badge, the so-called Freischwimmer. Last year, 524 swimming students received this badge - in 2023, the number was 465. 1,054 swimmers in total completed a badge - gold, silver and bronze combined. In the previous year, the figure was 1,002.
More swimming badges nationwide
The number of swimming badges awarded nationwide also increased slightly to more than 95,000 badges - not including the seahorse. According to the DLRG, this is a new record for the past ten years. "The tireless efforts of our swimming instructors have once again ensured that many people are now safe in the water - even though the general conditions are deteriorating," said DLRG President Ute Vogt.
The DLRG claims to be the largest water rescue organization in the world and the number one in swimming and lifeguard training in Germany. The lifesavers have over 600,000 members.
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