Intercommunal Kustreddingsdienst West-Vlaanderen

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Ikwv-vlag.jpg
Lifeguards as an observation post in Middelkerke

The Intercommunal Kustreddingsdienst West-Vlaanderen (IKWV) is the coastal rescue service of the ten coastal communities in Belgium, organized as an intercommunal . He is responsible for the safety of bathers and water sports enthusiasts. The headquarters of the rescue service is located in the municipality of Koksijde .

Lifeguard

Every Belgian coastal city organizes the rescue team for the respective seaside resorts. At the head of each rescue team is a primary rescuer, often assisted by a deputy rescuer. Each rescue team has a base on the coast where emergency rescuers are available and, among other things, the equipment is stored.

The lifeguards are posted in groups of two to four at regular intervals along over 34 kilometers of the Belgian coast. In total, the rescue service has around 82 rescue posts and around 1,400 lifeguards. Every lifeguard carries a horn and signal flags to signal swimmers that they are in a dangerous area. At certain times, e.g. B. during high tide , the lifeguards drive their boats and jet skis to control along the bathing areas.

equipment

The rescue service is equipped with off-road vehicles , lifeboats and a helicopter . Off-road vehicles and lifeboats will be housed in the IKWV centers along the coast.

education

The lifeguards are trained by WOBRA (West Flemish Training Center for Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Service). All helpers are in possession of the Redder aan zee certificate (“Savior on the Sea”). A lifeguard on the beach not only needs to be physically fit, but also has to have knowledge of the legislation, typical hazards, materials and first aid services. The minimum age for training as a lifeguard is 17 years. To obtain the certificate, the lifeguard must pass an exam that consists of several parts:

  • Part 1: Theory
  • Part 2: Practice (including swimming, first aid)
  • Part 3: A swim test in the sea; here the skills and performance in lifeguarding are evaluated.

There are four training centers: the provincial bathing establishments of Bruges and Kortrijk , the municipal swimming pool of Ostend and the municipal swimming pool of Koksijde . The Rescuers by the Sea certificate is valid for three years. After that, the lifeguards have to pass a new exam so that the certificate is valid for another three years.

Illustrations

Web links