The lifeguarding in North Sealand started with 2 independent lifeguard stations in 1931 on a 100 km coastline. In the late 1960’s After a couple of years with many fatal drownings on not guarded beaches. The service started in 1971 as a collaboration between the 5 Cityhalls  in North Zealand, Rescues service, Red cross, Police, Forestry and wildlife department with 7 lifeguard stations.  Over the years we have developed, and we are now present on 30 stations on the coast and one lake station all in the northern part of Zealand and the capital region. During the season of 2025 we will have 103 paid lifeguards 25 volontiers and 200 children present on our beaches as lifeguards and in youth camps. Before 2021 we used to send 10 lifeguards every year to Palawan in the Philippines to teach schoolchildren Lifeguarding and CPR skills.

2020 and 2021 we have started to develop coldwater classes in lifesaving and ice saving because of the many open water swimmers.

Cold-Water Lifesaving Classes: Preparing for Denmark’s Most Common Drowning Risk

In Denmark, the majority of drownings occur in cold water. Recognizing this, the North Sealand Lifeguard Service has taken proactive steps to address the unique dangers posed by cold-water immersion. Since 2020, we have developed and implemented cold-water lifesaving and ice rescue classes aimed at equipping both lifeguards and the general public with the knowledge and skills to survive and assist in cold-water emergencies.

These classes focus on:

• Understanding cold shock: The immediate physiological response to sudden immersion in cold water, including gasping, hyperventilation, and panic.
• Managing panic: Techniques to stay calm and regain control of breathing.
• Self-rescue strategies: How to float, conserve energy, and safely exit cold water.
• Rescue techniques: Safe methods for assisting others without endangering oneself.
• Ice safety: Recognizing dangerous ice conditions and performing ice rescues.

The goal is to prepare Danes for the shock and panic that often accompany cold-water incidents, increasing survival rates and reducing the number of fatalities.

Global Exchange and Lifeguard Community

North Sealand’s lifeguard service is also deeply international. As of 2025:

• 20% of our professional lifeguards come from other countries, bringing diverse experience and perspectives to our beaches.
• We run an international exchange program, welcoming lifeguards from around the world to train, work, and share best practices.
• In 2025, we launched a Couchsurfing-style program: any certified lifeguard with an ILS (International Life Saving Federation) certificate can stay for free at our lifeguard headquarters. This initiative fosters global camaraderie, cultural exchange, and shared learning among lifesaving professionals.