Austrian Water Rescue Federation

Description

According to its statutes, the task of the ÖWR is exclusively and directly the creation and promotion of all measures and institutions that serve to combat and prevent drowning deaths.

In particular, this is the provision of swimming lessons for beginners and advanced swimmers as a preventive task against drowning death, the instruction and training in lifeguard swimming, diving, life diving and in the driving of rowing and motor boats, in standing and flowing waters (if regional requirements also under whitewater conditions), as well as the provision for the training of ÖWR forces and other interested parties in the setting of first aid measures after accidents on and in the water.

The ÖWR's scope of responsibility also includes the establishment of monitoring points on bathing waters and the establishment of bases for alarm operations, including the necessary equipment and vehicle fleet. The tasks of the ÖWR also include the development, testing and assessment of suitable rescue equipment and other rescue materials and their maintenance according to the latest state of the art. ÖWR experts work at national and international level in committees that deal with the standardization of said equipment and materials or corresponding water rescue techniques and training guidelines.