The DLRG local branches in Gmund and Tegernsee organized the day of water rescue – and carried it out with flying colours.
Political celebrities were also seen.
Gmund
– When the police helicopter flies over the MS Tegernsee, the rotor blades whirl up water and ruffle the hair of the passengers.
The metal of the ship vibrates loudly, the rearview mirrors on the bridge flutter back and forth - and as if on a moderated coffee trip in front of a sight, the audience pushes to the windows.
Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of what's happening.
The helicopter uses the winch to rescue a person who fell into Lake Tegernsee after two boats collided.
Local associations Gmund and Tegernsee organized the day
The DLRG local groups in Gmund and Tegernsee, who are demonstrating what they can do with this exercise, should be no less excited than the spectators.
There is no reason to worry: the water rescue day, which the two organized for the national association, could not have gone better for them.
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Air support: A rescuer abseils into the water to rescue the passengers of two capsized sailboats.
In an emergency, things often have to be done quickly – especially at low temperatures.
© Ralf Poeplau
Later - the exercises have been successfully completed - Caroline Amann from the Gmunder local association will speak of "insane appreciation".
Her association with the people of Tegernsee planned for almost half a year, held video conferences and made phone calls.
The weather, announced worse for the big performance on Thursday, remains stable.
And the number of political prominence surprised even her, says Amann.
"All invited guests came." These include Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder, Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, State Parliament President Ilse Aigner and Europe Minister Melanie Huml (all CSU), to name just a few.
Regional politicians also don't want to miss the trip on the excursion boat: Among others, district administrator Olaf von Löwis, Tegernsee's mayor Johannes Hagn,
Söder came to watch to express appreciation
Together with the national and state-wide DLRG leadership, the atmosphere on the ship, from which the lifeguard exercises on the lake are observed, is relaxed and relaxed.
Söder jokes: "If one of you jumps into the lake now - and we think it's worth it - then we will of course be happy to help and we won't charge you either." After all, he himself has been a swimmer since childhood - "that was the first thing , what I have learned".
He made the lifeguard on the recommendation of Aigner, who wears the same badge.
He came to show his appreciation for the "enormous quality of volunteer work," says Söder.
"On behalf of the Bavarian state government and the entire Bavarian population: Respect, thank you for your great commitment."
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A picture from everyday life: After a barbecue fire, celebrating people jump off the raft.
The rescuers have to come with several boats.
© Ralf Poeplau
The water rescue day was held for the first time in 2019 at Lake Chiemsee, reports Florian Mengele, chairman of the Tegernsee local association.
After that, it should have taken place annually at different locations.
Due to corona, the demonstration at Tegernsee is only the second ever.
Of course, the district administrator is also pleased that the day is taking place in the district of Miesbach.
Löwis emphasizes: "It is reassuring that the DLRG exists." It is an important part of the district.
Against the background of many accidents, the rescuers are of great importance not only for residents, but also for tourists.
The Prime Minister also refers to the accidents, of which there have already been two fatalities this year on Lake Tegernsee alone (we reported).
"Somehow we experience that more and more people are paying less and less attention."
Joachim Herrmann assures DLRG support
For such cases, lifeguards have been on hand in Bavaria for 95 years with vehicles, ships and 167,000 members and sponsors.
After a vehicle show in which ships and cars from all over Bavaria were shown in the inner courtyard of the Kaltenbrunn estate, the volunteers also demonstrate disciplines from rescue sports and with boats.
"We looked for exercises that reflect our work," says Mengele.
Interior Minister Herrmann pledged to "continue to be at your side" to ensure that this continues to run smoothly.
A training center for DLRG and water rescue service is being planned and should be pushed forward "quickly" in the next few years.
The fact that everything runs so perfectly only works if it has been practiced umpteen times.
Just like on the day of the water rescue, when everyone was able to get off the excursion ship with peace of mind.
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