Water rescue on the Elbe

Swimming in the river Elbe can be life-threatening. Many beach visitors overestimate their swimming abilities in flowing water. The Elbe can reach speeds of up to 7 km/h! In addition, the suction from passing ships is great. The fire department, the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) and the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) have joined forces to improve safety. Along the Elbe beach there are so-called water rescue points. This episode of "PORT IS WHAT WE DO" shows how they work and what the DLRG advises people to do in an emergency.