the tables have turned

Warm heart for the KNRM

Anyone who follows us on social media or reads PULS knows that Van den Pol has a soft spot for the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) and has been supporting the KNRM in its sustainability ambitions in a broad sense since 2021. This includes the installation of solar panels, LED lighting with sensors and advice on, for example, charging facilities. Last Friday the roles were reversed and a number of colleagues were given the opportunity to visit and sail with the KNRM Station IJmuiden, a look behind the scenes. All of us sailing on the NH1816, what can happen. They knew that, the fact that they had to put on a survival suit should of course have rung a bell.

With NH1816 towards the North Sea

There they went with the NH1816 towards the North Sea. And when they had left the pier behind them and the coastline seemed almost out of sight, they were kindly but urgently asked to exchange the safety of the boat for the dark and cold waters of the North Sea. But hey… when do you get that chance so off they went, a jump into the dark North Sea but they don’t sink because of the survival suit, with a lot of force they stick their legs into the darkness and then move calmly to stay upright in the water. When everyone seems to have that under control and looks around they suddenly notice that the boat has disappeared and they all, including 2 crew members from the KNRM Station IJmuiden and Tilly van der Heijden from the KNRM are lying like small floats in the water.

Flooting in the shap of a snake

They got a short lesson in survival in the water. Stay together, hold hands, then together in a circle, make a train and so they swing floating through the North Sea, and then suddenly the NH1816 appears on the horizon but it has no intention of stopping. At a safe distance it sails past at a considerable speed, a small wave is the harbinger of its powerful and bigger brother. And again!!! The forces of the sea are clearly palpable. Eventually, via a rope and some climbing, everyone is safely back on board and a great experience richer with the knowledge that there are about 1500 KNRM volunteers who risk their lives to save people when asked to do so. On behalf of our colleagues, thank you very much for this unique opportunity, and we believe that you have gained a number of enthusiastic ambassadors for the KNRM.