HSWT student strengthens Passau's dyke protection
Tobias Ramesberger developed a training concept for dyke defence to give the region better protection against flooding. He won the HSWT Ideas Award for this. Implementation is planned from 2026.
When the water rose inexorably in the summer of 2024 and emergency services in the district of Kelheim spent hours securing dykes, Tobias Ramesberger was right in the middle of it all. Mud under his boots, radio in hand, eyes fixed on the dyke - it was at these moments that the Environmental Engineering student realised how crucial well-coordinated procedures and good teams are in an emergency. „That's exactly why we need well-prepared emergency services,“ he emphasises.
Tobias has been active in the water rescue service for many years and is involved as a group leader and instructor at the DLRG in Büchlberg in the district of Passau. Based on his experience, the HSWT student developed a training concept for dyke defence that aims to sustainably strengthen flood protection in the region. His approach was honoured with the Ideas Award in the „Best Concept“ category in 2025.
Targeted training for greater safety
The concept will prepare emergency services in the district of Passau for their tasks in future - from the professional filling and laying of sandbags to the construction of mobile protection systems and recognising critical damage patterns. Practical exercises are designed to reduce errors, improve processes and minimise risks for emergency services and the public. Each emergency worker is to be trained in the activities that they will actually carry out in an emergency.
To date, there is only one comparable training programme in Bavaria that involves all those involved in operational flood protection. Tobias' concept closes this gap and is specially tailored to the conditions in the district of Passau. It was based on a comprehensive survey of all the organisations involved and a joint workshop in which the rough concept was further developed.
Implementation planned from 2026
The finalised draft has been submitted to the Bavarian Water Management Administration, which is preparing its implementation together with the lower disaster control authority and the district fire inspectorate. In spring 2026, all organisations involved are to come together for a major kick-off event.
