Swimming proficiency proven - Records of Seepferdchen-SwimmingTests broken
You have proven your swimming skills, set a record, and at the same time showed commitment to an important cause: With 979 participants, the DLRG Waghaüsel club (Karlsruhe district) broke the official record of the Record Institute for Germany (RID) for "most Seepferdchen swimming tests in eight hours." In 2018, the DLRG local club Pforzheim reportedly accepted 161 tests. Among the Seepferdchen graduates in Waghaüsel, there were many who had been swimming for a longer time.
Many rescue interventions in rivers, lakes and ponds
"A beautiful world record for a meaningful cause," said RID-record judge Olaf Kuchenbecker. "Because it's not just about successful world record participants, but primarily about numerous new swimmers."
Time and again, inadequate swimming skills or incorrectly assessed abilities lead to accidents with sometimes fatal consequences. The German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) rescued 185 people in baden-württembergish waters such as rivers, lakes or pools in the previous year. Forty-three of them received no help in time.
Seepferdchen no proof of safe swimming
With swimming badges, one can demonstrate one's ability and knowledge. The Seepferdchen is designed for beginner swimmers: Anyone who wants to receive the badge must know pool rules, jump from the pool edge, swim 25 meters in a prone or backstroke position, and retrieve an object from shoulder-deep water with their hands.
"The Beginner Swimming Badge (Seepferdchen) is not a proof of safe swimming," it says on the DLRG website. For the German Swimming Badges Bronze (Freestyle swimmer), Silver and Gold, much more abilities need to be demonstrated.
The RID is reportedly the German-speaking counterpart to the internationally oriented record book from London. It collects and checks top performances from the German-speaking area and certifies world records. Upon request, RID record judges examine and certify record attempts on site. In case of success, there are certificates.
The record-breaking event took place in the district of Karlsruhe, specifically in the DLRG Waghäusel club. The achievement was recognized with awards, adding to their previous success in 2018 when Pforzheim reportedly registered 161 tests. Despite having many swimmers with longer swimming experience, this feat showcased the importance of leisure swimming for safety. Unfortunate incidentally, inadequate swimming skills or misjudged abilities can lead to accidents, prompting the DLRG to rescue numerous individuals each year in Baden-Württemberg waters.
