Lifeguard Day in Poland - Recognizing the Guardians of Safety at Our Waters
June 29 marks Lifeguard Day in Poland – a national day dedicated to recognizing the commitment and professionalism of WOPR lifeguards (Wodne Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe – Volunteer Water Rescue Service). Every summer, thousands of trained professionals ensure the safety of bathers and water sports enthusiasts on Poland’s coasts, lakes, and rivers.
In brief
WOPR Lifeguard Day is celebrated on 29 June as the holiday of water rescuers who watch over the safety of people relaxing by the water. The Volunteer Water Rescue Service (WOPR) has operated for nearly one hundred years on inland and sea waters, combining duty at bathing sites with educational and preventive work. In Kołobrzeg, 55 lifeguards are working this summer, supported by modern equipment, monitoring and mobile transport. Thanks to the lifeguards were expressed by Sebastian Kluska, director of the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service, Anna Mieczkowska, mayor of Kołobrzeg, and Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, mayor of Gdańsk.
The WOPR, founded nearly a century ago, is a cornerstone of Poland’s public safety system. Lifeguards are not only the first to respond in emergencies, but also carry out preventive work, education, and continuous surveillance to prevent incidents before they happen.
- On behalf of myself and the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (@mspirsar), I extend my deepest gratitude to our water rescue partners for their unwavering readiness to respond, their professionalism, and their daily commitment to safeguarding lives along our coasts, said Sebastian Kluska, Director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (MSPiR).
In coastal cities like Kołobrzeg, lifeguards play an essential role during the tourist season. This summer, 55 lifeguards will be stationed across the city’s beaches, supported by observation towers, a dedicated monitoring center, and modern rescue equipment – including newly deployed beach patrol quads and “life post” stations equipped with buoys and rings.
- Trained, experienced – our summer heroes. While we relax, they work to ensure our safety and comfort. We thank them for their vigilance, courage, and constant readiness to help. Their presence gives both residents and tourists peace of mind, said Anna Mieczkowska, Mayor of Kołobrzeg.
The city of Gdańsk also joined in celebrating Lifeguard Day.
- Today we celebrate Lifeguard Day. Thank you for making us feel safe on Gdańsk’s beaches. May this season be peaceful and safe, said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk.
On this Lifeguard Day, we extend our appreciation to all WOPR lifeguards for their service, professionalism, and dedication to protecting life in and around water. May the 2025 season be calm, safe, and successful.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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