Practice early

Young firefighters show off their skills in the Zille

Practice makes perfect if you want to be a master of the Zille. The recent disaster proved just how important these boats are.(Bild: Wolfgang Zarl)

Young firefighters proved their skill with the oars on the Danube and earned the coveted skill badges.

When roads turn into rivers, the only way to rescue people is often by boat. This was also necessary on several occasions during the recent flood disaster. However, rowing the boats requires a high degree of skill. It is therefore all the better if you learn how to use it at a young age.

The young firefighters' joy at their achievements is clear to see.(Bild: Wolfgang Zarl)

"Safe on water and on land" 
This includes the "Safe on water and on land" skills badges for 10 to 12-year-olds and 13 to 15-year-olds. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the young firefighters also had to prove themselves in the Zille. "It was impressive to see how they navigated the Danube, which is difficult to navigate. That gives them a lot of know-how for future operations," said the supervisors happily. Most recently, 40 young people from the Amstetten district obtained the coveted badges.