The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) looks back on a year with more rescues and assistance operations than in 2024. The organisation also commissioned nine new lifeboats, and its patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix, spent a day at sea with the volunteer rescuers.
The KNRM responds to distress calls and assistance requests in all weather conditions. To do so, 75 lifeboats are on standby along the coast, crewed by around 1000 volunteers. A further 500 volunteers provide shore-based support.
Video by KNRM.
Also read: KNRM places largest newbuild order ever
3592 people rescued
Last year, the lifeboats brought 3592 people (2987 in 2024) and 161 animals (125 in 2024) safely ashore. The 45 rescue stations were alerted a total of 2178 times (2063 in 2024) for assistance, search operations and rescues.
The 24 volunteer operators at the KNRM Helpt Assistance Centre (KAC) handled 1038 calls (1008 in 2024) from recreational boaters with non-urgent assistance requests. In more than 25 per cent of cases, the issue could be resolved remotely by telephone. Increasingly, water users contacted the KAC directly via the KNRM Helpt app. During the water sports season, the KNRM also launched a prevention campaign to highlight the importance of good preparation.
Radio Medical Service
The KNRM Radio Medical Service is available around the clock for medical questions from seafarers worldwide. Its advice on treating sick or injured crew members is often life-saving for seafarers at sea. In 2025, doctors provided 846 medical consultations (803 in 2024) by email or telephone, with most requests coming from commercial shipping.
Also read: Ship hits wind turbine, KNRM evacuates two injured crew
Wadden Islands Lifeguards
The 97 KNRM lifeguards on the Frisian Wadden Islands recorded an average number of deployments compared with previous years, with a total of 828 call-outs (1,134 in 2024). They carried out 735 minor first-aid treatments and 32 major first-aid responses requiring an ambulance or doctor. Eleven people were rescued from the water, in almost all cases after being swept away by currents.
Notably, for the first time more female lifeguards (49 women) staffed the posts than men (47).
Also read: KNRM places largest yard order ever
Charity supported by sponsors
The KNRM is a charity and relies entirely on voluntary contributions from donors, sponsors and legacies. In 2026, its more than 1500 volunteers will once again be on standby around the clock to save and assist people and animals on and around the water.
Picture: KNRM IJmuiden lifeboat Nh1816 with Coast Guard helicopter (photo Martijn Bustin/KNRM).
Also read: Quiet but exciting rescue year for KNRM
