The textbook "Lifeguarding" was first published in 1974 by the late long-time Technical Director of the DLRG, Karl Löhr. Since the second edition in 1981, the work has been overseen by Dr. Klaus Wilkens. This standard work for the training and further education of instructors, specialized exercise leaders, teachers, and university lecturers provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of water rescue from a didactic and methodological perspective. The starting point is the emphasis on accident prevention in and around water, as well as the possibilities for self-rescue. The presentation then focuses on the individual elements of a rescue operation, which are subsequently integrated into combined exercises as simulated cases. A detailed appendix offers many important additional information and suggestions for teaching and further engagement with the broad field of water rescue.