Bad Nenndorf/Adendorf, Germany With great sadness, we bid farewell to our Honorary President Dr. Klaus Wilkens, who passed away on July 15, 2025, at the age of 82. His life and work are inextricably linked with Lifesaving. He was a person of remarkable commitment and vision, a great advocate for lifesaving, a true gentleman, mentor and friend. His tireless commitment to drowning prevention, his unwavering support for lifesaving as a sport and public value, and his leadership within the movement will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations of professionals and volunteers worldwide.
He has been a member of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) since the age of nine. For more than four decades, he significantly shaped the water rescue organization in Germany and beyond. Across Europe, many new Lifesaving federations were initiated with his support and grew to their actual size by his guidance.
A Life dedicated to Lifesaving
In June 1952, the native of Lüneburg joined the DLRG local club in Lüneburg. For many years, he was responsible as the chairman of his home club before being appointed to the national Board of Directors in 1971 – initially as deputy chairman of the DLRG Youth, then from 1974 as Technical Director for Education, Rescue Operations, and Sports, later as Treasurer and Vice President. In October 1998, the general assembly in Lübeck elected him as President of the DLRG. Under his leadership, the DLRG grew into the world’s largest water rescue organization. Dr. Klaus Wilkens also left his mark on the European and international levels: From 1997 to 2012, he was President of the International Lifesaving Federation of Europe (ILSE), and from May to November 2012, he briefly served as President of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), the world association of lifesaving organizations.
Innovator and Networker
Dr. Wilkens, known to many as “DKW,” had a passion for positioning the DLRG and Lifesaving for the future. He spearheaded the relocation of the federal association to Bad Nenndorf in 1995 and the subsequent establishment of the federal headquarter, introduced modern fundraising methods, and forged partnerships with companies such as Beiersdorf AG and its NIVEA brand, whose beach festivals and awards for lifesavers still exist today. Under his leadership, the DLRG gained access to numerous national committees – from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) to the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, the German Donation Council, and the Federal Working Group on First Aid (BAGEH). In the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the DLRG became a recognized partner in civil protection and disaster relief. His commitment also extended to swimming education: Wilkens was instrumental in the revision of the German examination regulations in the 1970s and was a co-founder of the Federal Association for the Promotion of Swimming Education (BFS). He significantly shaped the modern teaching philosophy of the DLRG in swimming and lifesaving. His book on lifesaving, which he published together with Karl Löhr, is considered a standard work.
Honours and Legacy
Many of us had the honour and the pleasure to work and be with him for many years. He was a great stimulator of all aspects of lifesaving and lifesaving sport. He gave us many opportunities to develop ourselves as a lifesaver, lifeguard, instructor, commission member and commission chair, athlete, referee and organiser – or simply as human being.
For his diverse and voluntary work, Dr. Klaus Wilkens received numerous honours and awards, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2002. In 2013, the ILS awarded him the honorary title of “Honorary Life Member” after having inducted him into their “Hall of Fame” a year earlier. Shortly before, in August 2012, Wilkens also received the “ILSE Grand Medal of Honour.” In 2013, the federal assembly in Potsdam unanimously appointed him Honorary President of the DLRG, recognizing his life’s work and lasting influence. Other awards (excerpt):
- 1993: Honorary Secretary General of the Fédération International de Sauvetage aquatique (FIS, a predecessor of today’s ILS)
- 1994: Grand Knight in the Order of Lifesaving (ILS)
- 1999: City Seal and Certificate of Honor from the City of Lüneburg
- 2001: Honorary Diploma of the Olympic Committee
- 2005: DLRG Distinguished Service Award in Gold with Brilliants
- 2013: Dr. Peter Pauly Ring (DLRG Youth), Honorary Membership in the DLRG State Association of Lower Saxony, Gold Honorary Pin of the DLRG State Association of Bavaria, European Citizen’s Prize of the European Parliament
The legacy of Dr. Klaus Wilkens is reflected in many organizations that operate today with greater strength, connectivity, and innovation. On his 70th birthday in November 2012, Klaus expressed his wish for the future: “Voluntary commitment for the benefit of society needs more acceptance and support.” This guiding principle will remain our motivation. We will honour his memory and carry on his life’s work.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and all who were close to him. Dear Klaus, Rest in peace.
Dr. Dirk Bissinger
President, International Life Saving Federation
On behalf of the Board of Directors, all 40 member federations, Lifesavers, Lifeguards, athletes and friends
