KNRM’s first rescue operation was from Egmond aan Zee, almost 200 years ago

Regional city Central drank coffee with spokesperson Henk Biesboer of the KNRM, in the spacious and bright building in Egmond aan Zee. They share it with the Rescue Brigade. Of course we have a view of the waves.

“A storm is coming and that always attracts attention,” Biesboer notes. The media partner is there one day before storm Pia, which is Egmond aan Zee would put to the test.

There is a couple on the dune taking pictures of the white heads on the waves and of each other. “In the past, villagers would go out to sea themselves if a ship was in distress. The government had placed a number of lifeboats along the coast. But that had little effect.”

Establishment of KNRM

After the stormy autumn of 1823, an independent rescue company was founded on November 11, 1824: “The North and South Holland Rescue Company then.”

Their very first rescue was on Boxing Day 1824, from Egmond aan Zee station. The ‘Two Brothers’ needed help. “They then rescued thirteen people from that Katwijk boat,” says Biesboer.

“So that was a success. They then continued to open new stations.” There are now 45 stations, 70 rescue boats, 1,400 volunteers and all under one organization: the KNRM.

Thanks to the photos hanging in the KNRM building, you can imagine yourself back in time. It can be seen that the first rescues were carried out with rowing boats. Horses then pulled ships to sea.

The KNRM crew members are also called ‘step-ups’. Biesboer shows what they are wearing downstairs in the building. They are heavy, waterproof suits, with the boots attached.

Biesboer himself is not participating in the actions. He is responsible for fundraising. Because the KNRM mainly relies on donations. Sometimes they get them from inheritances.

This is because many people feel a great commitment to the KNRM. “But only along the coast. In Drenthe, people often don’t even know we exist,” says Biesboer.

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In addition to rescue operations, the KNRM also manages the lighthouse in Egmond aan Zee. Although they often work together with the Rescue Brigade, the objectives are different, Biesboer explains.

“The Rescue Brigade is there for the beach and the first 500 meters into the sea. The KNRM is there for rescues at sea. But we have many people who come from the Rescue Brigade. We work well together.”

All boats need to be replaced

To continue to do their work, some things need to be innovated. “The KNRM is working on replacing all 70 boats by 2030.” They must meet the latest requirements and must be fast and sturdy. The new boats will also make less noise.

“That engine, it resonates in your helmet,” says Biesboer. “That is really annoying for longer actions.” The money for this comes from the head office in IJmuiden.

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Because maintenance is the most expensive, Biesboer explains. “We do this without government support. And without interference, above all.” The activities in the anniversary year should draw more attention to the KNRM.

This will hopefully generate additional donations. Because this is the only way the KNRM can continue to save people free of charge. “And with the best material,” Biesboer adds. “Thanks to our donors, our rescuers on shore, there is always hope, even at sea.”