Since 1996, the Water Lifesaving and Coastal Environmental Protection Service of the Croatian Red Cross has been developing and implementing activities aimed at preventing drowning, increasing water safety and saving human lives. As a member of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), the Croatian Red Cross applies internationally recognised standards in the field of education, prevention and operational activity.
Based on the public powers laid down by the Croatian Red Cross Act, the Water Lifesaving and Coastal Environmental Protection Service trains lifeguards, instructors and managers of lifeguard stations, conducts risk assessments at swimming areas and develops water safety standards.
In 30 years of work, the Croatian Red Cross lifeguards participated in saving 646 human lives. At the same time, the Water Lifesaving and Coastal Environmental Protection Service has developed a network of lifeguard stations along the Croatian coast and made a significant contribution to improving safety at swimming areas and positioning Croatia as a safe tourist destination.
Training programs
The Croatian Red Cross conducts lifeguard training programs on open waters and swimming pools in accordance with internationally recognised lifesaving standards. The programs are intended for people who want to work as lifeguards at sea, river, lake and pool swimming areas.
The lifeguard training course consists of theoretical classes and practical exercises in rescue, first aid and environmental protection. The course lasts for seven days, including classes, practical classroom work, swimming training, practicing rescue techniques in pools and open waters, simulations of working at a lifeguard station and swimming for two miles.
Trainees who successfully complete the course are qualified to work professionally at lifeguard stations in sea, river and lake swimming areas. Their tasks include rescuing people from water, supervising the swimming area from the control point, preventing accidents, working as part of the lifeguard team, providing first aid and performing other tasks important for the safe operation of swimming areas.
The certificate of qualification for professional work at an open water lifeguard station is issued by the Croatian Red Cross with a validity period of two years. To extend the validity of the certificate, the lifeguard must take the examination for the renewal of the certificate of qualification.
Training programs are carried out from April to June each year at different locations in the Republic of Croatia, and with successful completion, participants gain a certificate that enables them to work at lifeguard stations throughout Croatia.
Foreign nationals with a valid lifeguard qualification issued by a national organisation member of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) can apply for the knowledge and skill testing procedure in accordance with the Croatian Red Cross certificate renewal program to be able to work at swimming areas in the Republic of Croatia.
Additional information about the verification process can be obtained via the e-mail:
spasilacka-sluzba@hck.hr
.
Lifeguard course application form:
(
https://www.hck.hr/sto-radimo/spasavanje-zivota-na-vodi-i-ekoloska-zastita/programi-osposobljavanja/pristupnica-za-prijavu-na-tecaj-osposobljavanja-spasilaca/5616
)
Water accidents prevention
Drowning prevention is one of the most important activities of the Croatian Red Cross. Through the national project "Water Safety", educational programs, workshops and campaigns are carried out to familiarise citizens, especially children and young people, with the rules of safe behaviour in and by water.
Special emphasis is placed on the development of swimming skills, education on water-related risks and the promotion of responsible behaviour in swimming areas. The aim of the activity is to reduce the number of accidents and drownings and to increase the safety of all water users.
Environmental protection
In addition to lifesaving activities on water, the Croatian Red Cross also carries out programs for the protection of the underwater, coastal and marine environment. Through environmental actions, educational workshops and cooperation with local communities, responsible behaviour towards nature and the preservation of marine ecosystems are promoted.
Special attention is paid to the removal of waste from the sea, education of children and youth and raising awareness of the importance of environmental protection as a common responsibility of all citizens.
Response to water emergencies
The specialist water rescue intervention teams and the basic intervention units of the Croatian Red Cross local branches for emergency response in flooded areas are part the Croatian Red Cross operational forces. The teams are formed from specially trained members and volunteers who are prepared to act in demanding conditions using specialised equipment, vessels and modern rescue techniques.
Continuous education and training are the foundation of their operational readiness. The training program includes specialist techniques for water rescue in difficult conditions, operating vessels and other specialised equipment, providing first aid, caring for injured people, and regular exercises and operational skills testing.
Team members are trained in search and rescue, evacuation of population from flooded areas, provision of humanitarian aid and support to other operational forces of the civil protection system during major accidents and disasters.
The Croatian Red Cross, based on its public powers, participates in water search and rescue, response to floods and other extraordinary water events.
For the purpose of urgent activation of operational teams, the Water Lifesaving Service hotline has been established: 091 425 1 425
Call in case of:
