Four rescuers from the Helderse lifeboat Joke Dijkstra received a medal this week for their years of voluntary work.
For years, Erwin Zijm, Richard Jansen, Bas Groot, and Maarten Boer have been ready day and night to help those in distress at sea. Not for money, but out of a commitment to people and animals.
Their deployment often began within fifteen minutes of a call from the Coast Guard. Sometimes during a storm, sometimes in the dark, always urgently.
They helped drowning victims, fishermen, surfers, yachtsmen, and even crashed light aircraft. They also carried out medical evacuations from Texel and brought deceased people back to the coast.
Erwin Zijm has been a volunteer for 25 years. In addition to the volunteer medal, he also received the bronze KNRM medal. He has sailed 577 times and rescued 1,349 people and 33 animals.
Richard Jansen has been a volunteer for 20 years. He has participated 327 times and helped 734 people and 15 animals.
Maarten Boer has been active for 10 years and has been involved in 261 operations, saving 545 people and 9 animals.
Bas Groot, who is now retiring as a crew member, made 105 calls. He helped 266 people and 9 animals safely return to port.
