VDWS Rescue Training

Taking on responsibility on the water requires more than just athletic skill. The VDWS Rescue Training teaches you the skills you need to act calmly, safely, and professionally in emergencies. Through realistic rescue scenarios, you’ll practice assisting water sports enthusiasts who’ve had an accident, learn effective recovery and rescue techniques, and build your confidence in handling emergencies. This makes the seminar not only an important step on the path to becoming a VDWS instructor, but also a valuable qualification for anyone who wants to make themselves and others safer on the water.

The VDWS Rescue Seminar – Structure and content

The seminar consists of two parts:

1. Rescue Part

In this part, you’ll learn and practice how to safely rescue people in distress – whether they’re windsurfers, kitesurfers, sailors, or SUP riders. Different water scenarios are simulated in practice to ensure you can bring both the victim and their equipment safely to shore.

In realistic exercises and practical sessions, you will gain:

Practical skills and knowledge for real-life emergencies.
Training in rescue, recovery, and transport of victims – by swimming, with a board, or using a motorboat.
Guidance on handling various situations, such as cramps, hypothermia, overheating, or unconsciousness.
Tips for communication, coordination, and risk management to act as a first responder safely and effectively.

2. Swimming Test

Your swimming ability will be tested. The test consists of:

Run-Swim-Run Test: 200 meters of running, 200 meters of swimming, and another 200 meters of running – all within a maximum time of 11 minutes.
Polocrawl Test: 50 meters of Polocrawl in calm water, within 50 seconds.

The seminar will prepare you perfectly for emergency situations on the water.

Duration & price

Duration: 2 days
Price:
EUR 195.00 (for VDWS members)
EUR 245.00 (for non-members)

Required equipment

Please bring a wetsuit, shoes, and weather-appropriate warm clothing for both land and water. This will ensure you are fully prepared for all conditions!

Completion / Certificate

After the workshop, participants will receive a certificate of participation. This serves as proof of the lifesaving qualification required in the VDWS Instructor training. However, please note that this is not the official DLRG lifesaving certificate, but rather the VDWS-recognized Rescue training, which includes the swimming test.