The fastest inflatable boat rescuers

The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) is organising the second part of the 6th IRB German Cup. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., a total of 18 teams from several German states will be competing with motorised inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) right next to the pier. The organising DLRG local group Haffkrug-Scharbeutz is taking part with two teams. International competitors from Denmark will also be at the start.

In four disciplines, the participants will perform fast manoeuvres on a course and solve simulated rescue situations. Under the critical eye of the judges, they have to rescue patients from the water and bring them quickly and safely to shore.

The competition between the motorised lifesavers is not just about sporting success. Rather, it is about promoting the water rescue service and perfecting rescue techniques. "Our aim is also to show spectators that volunteering in the water rescue service saves lives, is professional and also fun," says competition organiser Christoph Niemann from DLRG Haffkrug-Scharbeutz.

The DLRG has been relying on the manoeuvrable IRB as a means of rescue in the water rescue service for almost ten years. Since then, a number of teams have also been training for the sporting competition. Every year, they compete for the IRB German Cup, which this year included a second competition in Prerow in mid-July in addition to the competition in Scharbeutz. The most successful team across both events wins the overall ranking. DLRG Rheurdt-Schaephuysen leads the overall standings ahead of the second competition next Saturday. Team 1 from DLRG Haffkrug-Scharbeutz is in third place in the interim rankings.