Information & Dates for Rescue Swimming Courses
DRSA Bronze, Silver & Gold

Whether at a lake, river, swimming pool or the sea, accidents in water can happen anywhere. How to act correctly in such emergencies, help others or yourself, and how to avoid such situations, you will learn in the rescue swimming courses of BRK Wasserwacht Unterhaching. In theory lessons you learn the necessary knowledge and in the practical part we train release grips, towing of persons, diving exercises and everything else you need for the exam. Courses are divided into DRSA Bronze, DRSA Silver and DRSA Gold, for beginners, intermediate and experienced rescue swimmers. The German Rescue Swimming Badge in Gold is rarely found outside water rescue organisations due to high performance requirements. The DRSA in Gold (and Silver) is an officially recognised honour of the Federal Republic of Germany by decree of the Federal President.

DRSA Bronze

Examination Requirements

Practical Part:
- 200m swimming in max. 10 minutes (100m prone, 100m supine with frog kick without arm movement)
- 100m swimming in clothing in max. 4 minutes, then undressing in the water
- Three different jumps from approx. 1m height
- 15m distance diving
- Two deep dives from the water surface within 3 minutes, retrieving a 5kg ring (water depth 2-3m)
- 50m transport swimming (pushing)
- Knowledge of avoiding clinches and release from rear neck hold
- 50m towing with armpit grip and standard captive tow grip
- Combined exercise without pause

Theoretical Part:
- Knowledge of breathing and circulation, CPR
- Dangers at and in water
- Assistance in swimming, boating and ice accidents
- Tasks of Red Cross / Water Rescue

Prerequisites

- Minimum age 12 years
- Physical fitness

DRSA Silver

Examination Requirements

Practical Part:
- 400m swimming in max. 15 minutes (50m crawl, 150m breaststroke, 200m supine with frog kick)
- 300m swimming in clothing in max. 12 minutes
- Jump from 3m height
- 25m distance diving
- Three deep dives within 3 minutes with 5kg ring (water depth 3-5m)
- 50m transport swimming: pushing in max. 1:30 min
- Release grip knowledge
- 50m towing in max. 4 minutes, both in clothing
- Combined exercise with 2 min CPR demonstration on mannequin

Theoretical Part:
- Knowledge of breathing and circulation, CPR
- Dangers at and in water
- Rights and duties in rendering assistance
- Knowledge of rescue equipment
- Tasks of Red Cross, Water Rescue and water rescue service

Prerequisites

- Minimum age 14 years
- First aid course not older than 2 years - BRK Munich course offerings
- Physical fitness

DRSA Gold

Examination Requirements

Practical Part:
- 300m fin swimming in max. 6 minutes including 50m towing
- 300m swimming in clothing in max. 9 minutes
- 100m swimming in max. 1:40 minutes
- 30m distance diving collecting 10 small objects
- Three deep dives in clothing within 3 minutes (water depth 3-5m)
- 50m transport swimming in clothing: pushing in max. 1:30 min
- Combined exercise with 3 min CPR demonstration
- Handling of rescue equipment (rescue ball and line, rescue belt and line, resuscitation equipment)

Theoretical Part:
- CPR (rescue breathing)
- First aid measures
- Rights and duties in rendering assistance
- Rescue equipment
- Tasks of Red Cross, Water Rescue and water rescue service

Prerequisites

- Minimum age 16 years
- DRSA Silver not older than 3 years
- First aid course not older than 2 years
- Physical fitness

Registration for Rescue Swimming Courses

To register for a DRSA rescue swimming course, please use the email link "email registration" next to the first date of each course. Registrations are possible until two days before the course starts. You will receive a confirmation together with relevant course information.

Prerequisites must be presented at the start of the course.

Theory Self-Study and Online Theory Exam - New from May 2025!

Since May 2025, theory for the DRSA can be learned online through self-study and immediately examined online. With a successful exam, you receive a certificate that replaces the two theory sessions. Link to online theory exam: Click here!

The cost for the online theory exam is 9.50 EUR and can be paid directly online. This is in addition to the course fees for practical training, practical exam and certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions about our DRSA Courses

Can I only take the exam?

To take a DRSA exam, you must first participate in a DRSA training course covering theory and practice (excluding the first aid course).

I cannot attend one of the dates?

Attendance at all dates is mandatory per training regulations. If you know you cannot attend a date, please choose a course where you can attend all dates. If you become ill or unavoidably absent during the course, please contact us. Note: Without the theory on the 1st training day, further participation is unfortunately not possible!

How long do I have to complete the exam?

All examination requirements must be completed within a maximum of five months from the start of training.

What should I bring to the DRSA course?

For theory: pen, paper and writing pad. For practical training: swimwear (swimsuit/trunks rather than shorts/bikini). If you have long hair, please also bring a hair tie and possibly a swim cap.

Are there special offers for groups?

For clubs/groups/companies, we offer individually tailored courses. Please contact us by email.

Can I still get the first aid certificate later for DRSA Silver and Gold?

Unfortunately not. The first aid certificate must be presented at the start of the course! Without a valid first aid certificate on the 1st training day, we must exclude you from the course. The course fee will not be refunded.

Course Dates at BRK Wasserwacht Unterhaching