Overview

• The DLRG awarded 95,273 swim badges (excluding Seepferdchen) nationwide in 2024, marking the highest total in a decade.
• Seepferdchen badges, a preliminary swimming certification, rose to 57,601 in 2024, up from 56,072 in 2023, though some regions like Berlin and Saxony saw declines.
• Advanced certifications, including Bronze and Gold badges, also increased, with 45,283 and 19,823 awarded respectively, reflecting growing proficiency in swimming skills.
• Infrastructure challenges persist, with two-thirds of public pools in need of renovation and up to 800 closures projected without significant investment.
• The DLRG emphasizes the need for government action to modernize swimming facilities and address long waiting lists, which average six months or more in many areas.