According to the DGzRS, it counted more than 40,000 visitors on Maritime Search and Rescue Day in 2024. A similar level of interest can be expected this year. Not least because the holiday season is in full swing on the coast and on the islands and a tour of a rescue cruiser offers an exciting change of pace for many holidaymakers.
Open ship and rescue exercises
For example, the Norderney station, which opens its doors on Saturday instead of Sunday, invites you to a rescue cinema in the old rescue shed on the west beach. The historic rowing lifeboat "Fürst Bismarck" will also be on display there. In the mornings and afternoons, there will also be moderated demonstrations at sea in front of the west beach near the old rescue shed with the rescue cruiser "Eugen". At around 3 p.m., a SAR helicopter of the naval aviators will take part in the rescue exercises. And for all those who become sponsors of the sea rescuers on this day, there will be a welcome trip on the "Eugen" at the end of the day.
At other stations on the North Sea, the rescuers invite you to an open ship. For example on Juist, Langeoog and in Horumersiel. Rescue exercises involving a rescue helicopter from NHC Northern Helicopter are also planned on Juist. In Horumersiel, the day will begin with an ecumenical church service, while the rescue shed on Heligoland will be open. Films will be shown and information provided about the work of the rescuers. On the "Hermann Marwede", visitors can learn about rescue and ship technology.
Around 50 stations invite you to visit
In total, more than 20 stations are taking part in the event on the North Sea. On the Baltic Sea, over two dozen stations along the coast and on the islands are open to visitors on Sea Rescue Day.
In Eckernförde, for example, you can talk to the rescuers about their work at the Open Ship. There are also welcome trips for new sponsors on the rescue boat "Eckernförde". Films are shown and rescue exercises are demonstrated in and around the harbour.
Four boats can be viewed in Grömitz: the rescue cruiser "Felix Sand", the rescue boat "Henrich Wuppesahl" and two training boats. There will also be welcome trips for new sponsors and a rescue demonstration with a SAR helicopter. In Grömitz, the rescuers will be joined by the volunteer fire brigade, the German Red Cross, the DLRG and a diving group from Johanniter Unfallhilfe.
Even if the programme at other stations is not always quite as extensive as in the examples mentioned, it is still worth a visit. If only because you then have the chance to hear many exciting stories about rescue missions at first hand. A complete overview of the activities at the individual stations can be found on the Website of the sea rescuers.
Win a trip on a rescue cruiser
In addition, a competition will be organised especially for the Day of Sea Rescuers. The main prize is to accompany an inspection cruise on board a sea rescue cruiser. There is also a plush cushion collector's ship and a set of clamps from the 27.5-metre-class rescue cruiser "Berlin" to be won. Participation in the competition is possible until 28 July 2025 on the website of the sea rescuers.
There will also be a matching T-shirt to mark the event. It will be available at all participating stations and in the sea rescuers' online shop.
