German Ocean Championship & DLRG Cup Warnemünde

Double Event 2026

In 2026, the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) is combining two central competitions of its calendar on the same weekend in Warnemünde: the premiere of the 1st German Ocean Championship (DOM) and the traditional International DLRG Cup. Both will take place from July 16th to 18th, 2026, in the Strand Arena (Beach Arena) under the lighthouse.

German Ocean Championship

With the 1st German Ocean Championship, the DLRG is creating an official national title in open water lifesaving sport for the first time. Disciplines such as surfski races, rescue board paddling, beach flag sprints, and open water swimming will be held in individual and relay competitions. Around 600 athletes from the DLRG state associations are expected.

International DLRG Cup

The DLRG Cup has been a permanent fixture on the European lifesaving sport calendar since the 1990s and is one of Germany's most well-attended open water invitation competitions. National teams and teams from the DLRG state associations are invited – in 2025, DLRG Harsewinkel defended the title at the 27th Cup. Participation is open to ages 15 and up.

Lifesaving Sport Atmosphere

Unlike classic water sports events, lifesaving sport combines peak athletic performance with the idea of saving lives: speed, strength, and water safety are the core values. The beach becomes a stage for disciplines that can save lives in an emergency.

Regional Context

Warnemünde, the seaside resort district of the Hanseatic city of Rostock in the Rostock district (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), has been a regular venue for the DLRG Cup since the 1990s. The Strand Arena under the lighthouse is one of the most attractive competition venues on the German Baltic Sea coast.