Hamburg, April 26 – A notable increase in children acquiring swimming badges was recorded in Hamburg during 2025, contrasting with a nationwide decline. Data released by the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) reveals that the ‘Seepferdchen’ (Seahorse) badge, a foundational certification for young swimmers, was awarded 552 times, marking an increase of 136 compared to 2024.
Positive Trend Across All Swimming Badges
The positive trend extended beyond the ‘Seepferdchen’ badge. The DLRG reported a rise in all swimming badge categories compared to 2024 figures:
- Bronze Badge: 534 awards
- Silver Badge: 233 awards
- Gold Badge: 171 awards
While Hamburg experienced this encouraging growth, the national picture showed a decrease of 4,000 ‘Seepferdchen’ badges issued across Germany compared to the previous year. However, the national figure remains above the 20-year average. Similarly, approximately 100,000 swimming badges issued nationwide last year also represent a positive outlier within the same period.
DLRG Warns Against Complacency Despite Progress
Despite the positive statistics for Hamburg, DLRG President Ute Vogt cautioned against complacency. “These figures should not obscure the fact that, overall, too many children are not learning to swim,” Vogt stated. “We still assume that almost 60 percent of students at the end of fourth grade cannot swim safely.”
Key Challenges Identified by DLRG:
- Long Waiting Lists: Increasing waiting times for swimming course slots.
- Lack of Water Space: Continued shortage of suitable water areas for practice, despite federal funding programs.
- Teacher Shortage: A deficit of qualified swimming instructors in elementary schools, leading to the cancellation of mandatory swimming lessons in many cases.
The DLRG emphasized the critical importance of the ‘Seepferdchen’ badge as the initial and vital step towards safe swimming and diving skills. The organization continues to advocate for improved access to swimming education and facilities to address the nationwide challenge of childhood drowning prevention.
This report highlights Hamburg’s success in promoting swimming proficiency among its youth, while also underscoring the broader, persistent issues facing swimming education across Germany.
Source: dpa, DIE ZEIT
