Netherlands lifeguards called to 700 rescues in one warm week

By Janene Pieters on August 26, 2016 - 08:42
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KNRM rescues 28 Belgian kids from stranded sail ship in Vlieland, 30 May 2016 (Photo: KNRM). (KNRM rescues 28 Belgian kids from stranded sail ship in Vlieland, 30 May 2016 (Photo: KNRM))

During the last blast of summer weather this week in the Netherlands, lifeguards had to rescue or help at least 700 people. That number will increase as the week is not over yet and some stations haven't submitted their figures, RTL Nieuws reports.

According to a spokesperson for the lifeguards association, most incidents were relatively harmless, such as bee or wasp stings. Twice someone had to be rescued from the water. Many people fell ill due to the heat. And dozens of kids were reunited with their parents on beaches.

During an average hot week lifeguards in the Netherlands help about a thousand people.

This week is the last week of summer holiday for many Dutch and the weather seems to be celebrating it. Meteorological institute KNMI issued a code yellow weather warning for persistent heat on Tuesday and keeps extending it. It is currently in effect for the whole country and will stay in effect until Sunday.

While the weekend will still be warm, with temperatures in the high 20's, it will be more cloudy with a chance of showers. On Monday the weather takes a decided dip to afternoon temperatures around 21 degrees.

Today is expected to be partly cloudy with periods of sunshine. Afternoon temperatures will range from 24 degrees along the coast to 33 degrees in Limburg.

On Thursday Weeronline announced that this summer is in the in the Netherlands since temperature measurement started in De Bilt in 1901.

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