On the Ill river, the electric bodyboard doesn’t go unnoticed. With each exercise, it makes onlookers drop their phones from video mode and starts to gain a little notoriety on social media. “It makes you want to become a lifeguard so much!” commented one internet user. Despite its fun side, this e-surf is a real working tool for the 45 nautical rescue specialists from the Finkwiller station (*).
Allowing divers to conserve energy for their mission
“This board can carry two divers against the current, safely and quickly” or “bring them with their gear to the immersion point”, allowing them to conserve energy for their mission – rescuing in case of drowning or a boat breakdown, for example. “With its shallow draft, it can also move rescuers in the event of floods,” explains Lieutenant Aymeric Florent, deputy department head of nautical rescue.
“Before, we used boats or swam,” continues the specialist. The board, which was equipped in June 2025, is more agile, responsive, and compact. With its 40 kilos – half structure, half battery – “only one person is needed to handle it and it can be put in the water almost anywhere,” confirms Sergeant Chief Julien Collet, docking in Petite-France where the water temperature does not exceed 6°C this March afternoon.
Equipment acquired for 15,000 euros
In addition to the civilian leisure equipment, acquired for 15,000 euros, the Strasbourg firefighters added handles and straps to meet their specific needs. “To my knowledge, we are the first to be equipped,” congratulates Lieutenant Florent. They kept the remote control, fixed on the structure, which allows for precise steering.
Top speed of the device: 40 km/h. “But what interests us more is the towing power,” specifies the deputy chief. The gliding sensation is still enjoyable. “We can easily turn it with the weight of our bodies,” demonstrates Deputy Chief Franck Meyer, deputy department head of nautical rescue.
Now fully trained in its use, the Finkwiller firefighters are ready to use their e-surf during the “high season”, that is, in the warmer months. These specialists carry out 80 to 100 operations per year throughout the Bas-Rhin region.
Oldest Strasbourg rescue station, established in 1898, the Finkwiller barracks have 77 firefighters, including 45 nautical rescue specialists.
:quality(80)/outremer%2F2026%2F03%2F28%2F69c751b55ef19309251202.png "The surf community pays tribute to two young riders who died in a car accident.")
