Last July 9, at wind force 5 from the southwest, a kite surfer was rescued by the KNRM. This according to the KNRM thanks to exemplary preparation by the kite surfer himself. In the magazine of the KNRM 'De Reddingsboot' I read an interesting article about the rescue. We were allowed to copy the article and I am happy to share it with you. For example, what makes the KNRM state that this kite surfer was excellently prepared? What can you learn from that?
Kitesurfer in trouble reports via KNRM app
The Coast Guard alerts Scheveningen rescue station for a kite surfer in trouble. The kitesurfer in distress who was rescued had reported via the free KNRM Helpt app on his phone. One push of a button and you will be connected to the Coast Guard. An additional advantage is that the coastguard can gauge the position of the caller, so that the rescuers of the KNRM know exactly where to go.
Kitesurfer blew up his Restube
Lifeboat Kitty Roosmale Nepveu sails out and sees the kiter lying in the surf, in waves up to 2,5 meters high. Once again, the kitesurfer who was rescued turns out to be well prepared for emergencies, because he has his Restube blown up. This bright yellow buoy protrudes about 70 centimeters above the water, making it a lot easier to recognize.
Inflatable Safety Belt
I was not aware of such inflatable seat belts. Upon further exploration and visit to Eurofuncenter, I also came across the Inflatable Safety Belt of the Aztron brand. View the range of your favorite kitesurf shop for this kind of kitesurfing safety products.
Kite surfer rescued. Kiteboard with Be Traceable sticker
Deputy skipper Sander Kuipers and his crew focus on rescuing the kite surfer and leave the kite and other items behind, also because they do not want to get the lines into the jets. The wind blows the kite equipment to the beach. The coastal rescue vehicle (KHV), which drives along on the beach with every action, quickly sees the kite and the board. For the third time it appears that the kiter who was rescued thought very carefully before going out to sea: his board is equipped with a Be Traceable sticker. This way the KNRM knows that the board belongs to him and no new search is started because of a board with an unknown owner. Order the Be Traceable sticker for free KNRM. You can then become a direct donor just like me.
