BACKGROUND: The DLRG, Deutschen Lebensrettungsgesellschaft, (German Live Saving Association), was originally established in 1913 as an independent organization of the German Swimming League. The mandate of the DLRG was to instruct the German public in water safety and water related life saving skills and techniques. On September 25TH 1933 the DLRG became subordinate to the Reichssportführer, (National Sports Leader), Hans von Tschammer und Osten and a series of three proficiency qualification lapel badges were introduced. The lapel badges came in three grades with different qualifications required for bestowal. When awarded the badges were accompanied by the appropriate ownership certificate. The three grades of the badge consisted of the Grundschein, (Basic Certificate), the Prüfungsschein, (Test Certificate) and the Lehrschein, (Instructor's Certificate). Of Note: The DRLG also instituted an additional award for personnel who had saved an imperiled person in the water that followed the same basic design as the qualification awards.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A group of five lapel badges: 2 Grundschein, 1 Prüfungsschein, 1 Lehrschein and 1 Leistungsschein. All complete with rifled pins.