Masuria. They saved many human lives, today they ask for help themselves. “This amount allows us to exist for less than two months”

The Masurian Rescue Service was founded in 1978. It is a non-profit organization, whose task is water rescue in the great Masurian lakes, with particular emphasis on Lake Śniardwy. In addition to saving the life and human health, the group also deals with technical assistance, for example, imprisoned yachts on reefs, or lifting sunk units from the bottom.

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– In 1976, the “Bryza” Sailing Association began to organize sailing camps at Lake Tyrkło. It was thanks to the camps that the members of “Bryza” realized that there was no rescue service in the area of ​​Lake Śniardwy at that time. Six scouts were a direct impulse to create such a service. Then they began to think about creating a water rescue base. Immediately after that, the rescue section was established, which was purchased by the first rescue ship “Rus” in Masuria. Then a rescue station was established in the yard at the village administrator Okartów – says Jakub Gwiazdowski.

Currently, the group's cast is two full -time rescuers and about 140 volunteers. It includes experienced sailing officers, divers and rescuers. They are both young and experienced rescuers.

– This is a very diverse group of people who share a passion for action and a desire to help others. Among us are doctors and lawyers, but also students and postmen – says Gwiazdowski.

As he emphasizes, due to the specificity of Lake Śniardwy, the most actions are related to saving yacht crews, and with the removal of yachts from stone reefs. There are also many events related to saving people practicing water sports (kite and windsurfers), and, especially in winter, anglers.

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– We have many spectacular rescue operations behind us. Among them, saving the crews of two sunken helicopters or evacuating several dozen anglers who were trapped on the floating flour. The “White Szkwał” from 2007 was a big challenge. We managed to save several lives, but despite long resuscitation, not all. After this tragedy for many weeks, we conducted search actions and extracted sunken boats. It happened another time, but we remember the sight of sailors who spent all night, sticking to the mast of a sunken yacht protruding from the water. Early in the morning they were discovered by anglers. One of them, unfortunately, did not survive – recalls Gwiazdowski.

– One of the actions that was particularly remembered by us was the saving of a child drifting on the SUP board, which was kidnapped by the wind into open water. Thanks to the rapid operation of the rescuers, they were safely taken over for the boat. Another challenge was the multi -day search campaign in difficult winter conditions – we used all our human resources and available equipment and worked around the clock – he adds.

The work of rescuers is associated with great danger, especially at night and during difficult weather conditions. Jakub Gwiazdowski explains that a very high wave can be created in Śniardwy, which makes the entrance to the water in such conditions becomes extremely dangerous.

The Masurian Rescue Service is struggling with financial problems. And although rescuers do not collect money for their work, the group must function somehow. The funds for ongoing activity are still lacking.

– The vast majority of our rescuers do not charge any remuneration. On the contrary, they often on duty from very distant towns at their own expense. Many of them also buy personal rescue equipment for their own money. Rescuers also pay for the compulsory training in this profession and their readification. For them, it is a passion and satisfaction from saving life. It looks the same with members of the board of our association – emphasizes Gwiazdowski.

The association stays mainly due to donations. – Of course, we try to raise funds, conducting various rescue training, qualified first aid, or on motorboat patents. We are also a public benefit organization, so small amounts affect us due to one and a half percent of taxes. Last year we secured the film plan, thanks to which we managed to survive, but now our financial situation is very bad – admits Gwiazdowski.

In particular, he is worried about very modest state aid. – This year we received a subsidy of PLN 50,000 from the Warmian-Masurian Voivode, and this amount allows us to exist for less than two months. Instead, we can buy fuel, which is enough for 150 hours of using one rescue boat. And where are all other costs? We recently counted that if our state had to fully finance our business, it would have to send almost three million zlotys. Current support will not meet the needs for the proper functioning of the rescue of 365 days a year and 24 hours a day – ends Jakub Gwiazdowski.