Dutch SAR

Dunes, beach, sea, fine weather and helicopters were all ingredients of the fine day well spent at the International Search and Rescue Event 2009, which was held at Katwijk, a village south-west of Amsterdam, on Saturday the first of August. This event is traditionally held on the first weekend of August, and it is organized by the ‘Katwijkse Reddings Brigade’ (the life brigade), which is run by volunteers. Such life brigades are found mostly along the coastline of the Netherlands, but also at lakes where there are many swimmers. The life brigade has about 30,000 volunteer members, including young members, of whom 5,000 are active lifeguards during the summer holidays. Their primary task is to prevent accidents, by watching the bathers and swimmers. Their second task is to take action if an accident occurs on the beach or in the water. The lifeguards are also trained to provide first aid and resuscitation in the case of a cardiac arrest or a near drowning. They also look after lost children...