DLRG/Nivea Strandfest

The vacation highlight for young families

On August 4, 2026 it’s that time again from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., when the German Life Saving Association (DLRG), together with its partner NIVEA, will transform the beach at the North Sea resort of Otterdorf into a large, colorful play paradise to promote safety in and around the water and in the sun. Young lifeguards are heading to Otterndorf, bringing along plenty of useful information about water, learning to swim, and sun protection.

Under the motto “Seahorses for Everyone,” lifeguards are using playful activities to teach parents and children about safe behavior in and around the water—an important topic. “In a relaxed vacation atmosphere, we use games to draw attention to swimming rules, learning to swim, and sun protection so that children and parents can enjoy their beach vacations worry-free—both today and in the future,” explains tour leader Maiken Stolze.

In addition to tips on learning to swim and water safety rules, the three-hour free beach festivals focus above all on fun: Beach festival visitors of all ages can let off steam on a bounce house, experience firsthand at other stations what’s important for learning to swim, solve puzzles about swimming rules, try out real rescue equipment, or learn first-aid techniques. They can also experience the effects of good sun protection: A UV camera impressively demonstrates how sunlight affects our skin. For example, visitors can learn how important UV protection is, which sunscreen products are best suited for their individual skin type, and when it’s time to reapply.

In the stage program, Beach Festival visitors of all ages get caught up in the excitement of the puppet show, take part in a seal race, and embark on a journey to the sea with colorful streamers. In exchange for a small donation to benefit the DLRG, visitors can go on a Beach Festival Discovery Tour and have a chance to win great prizes by answering tricky questions at the stations.

At the end of the Beach Festival, NIVEA water balls are handed out to visitors. They briefly transform the beach into a blue sea. “It’s a fascinating sight every time,” says Stolze. “So many children’s eyes light up when our little visitors get their ball and, of course, are allowed to take it home.”

By the way: To ensure that the DLRG can maintain safety in and around the water even outside the beach festival season, NIVEA doubles the donations collected at the end of each year. In 2023, more than 10,000 euros were raised this way. To date, a total of 181 rescue boats have been purchased and put into service by the DLRG.

You can find the exact tour dates and locations, as well as further information about the beach festivals, at www.dsg.dlrg.de/strandfest and www.nivea.de/dlrg.