Fast-paced: The boat of the Ammerland water rescue service docks with another moving boat during a fast ride. This manoeuvre is part of the water rescue specific training. © Water Rescue
Wasserwacht members from all over Upper Bavaria are trained in theory and practice at Lake Starnberg. Spectacular scenes ensued.
Münsing – The boat races across Lake Starnberg, behind it a boat of the Ammerland Water Rescue Service. The gap is getting smaller and smaller. And while both vehicles continue to glide over the water, the "pursuer" docks his boat with the moving one. What sounds like an excerpt from a film is a specific driving exercise for the future boatmen of the water rescue service. "This exercise in particular requires safe handling of the boat as well as confidence in one's own abilities," says Oliver Jauch, press spokesman for the Starnberg district water rescue service.
New boatmen for the water guards: theory and practice on Lake Starnberg
A total of 23 participants from all over Upper Bavaria were guests at the water rescue station on the Schwaiblbach of the Wolfratshausen water rescue service over the past weekends to be trained in the regulations relating to the driving of lifeboats. All of them had already completed a large number of driving lessons in their respective local groups at the beginning of the course. During the two days of the course, intensive practical training was once again carried out under the guidance of trainers from the Upper Bavaria District Association. "The participants must also master the water rescue internal specifications, which were also checked," the message says. This also includes the "person-overboard" maneuver or even the mooring to a moving boat.
Proud: The course participants from Ammerland, Pilsensee, Starnberg and Tutzing together with their boatmen, course director Ingo Roeske (Wasserwacht Wolfratshausen, 5th from right) and Martin Wrase (Wasserwacht Tutzing, left). © Water Rescue
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But before the key was turned to start the boat engine, the theory was on the curriculum in advance. For example, learning the federal regulations from the Inland Waterway Regulations, which the participants acquired online, was very time-consuming. But: "After all, once they have passed the exam, they are also allowed to call the official sports boat licence their own."
The exam day was very intense. Two written exams were on the program, as well as the practical exam. In the end, 22 participants, including ten members of the Ammerland, Pilsensee, Starnberg and Tutzing water rescue services, are now entitled to lead water rescue boats. "The water guards around Lake Starnberg," says Oliver Jauch, "are looking forward to new boatmen."
By the way: Everything from the region can also be found in our regular Wolfratshausen-Geretsried newsletter.
