Katwijk/Noordwijk – The Katwijk and Noordwijk Rescue Brigades are to deploy drones to further enhance the safety of beachgoers. Under the guidance of Unmanned Valley, the brigades are starting to build up their own flight organisations, with the aim of being fully operational by the summer of 2026. The project is part of the 'Strengthening Beach Tourism Pilot: drones to enhance beachgoer safety', and is supported by various regional partners and funders.

The deployment of drone technology makes it possible to detect incidents faster, locate casualties more quickly, and conduct preventative surveillance on the beach and at sea. Equipped with thermal imaging cameras, drones can search for missing persons, map incident areas immediately, and communicate with swimmers or emergency services via loudspeakers. They also offer opportunities for preventive tasks such as detecting rip currents, measuring current speeds, and monitoring beach crowds.

“With drones, we can respond more quickly and maintain a better overview during search operations or incidents above the beach and sea,” says Harry Admiraal, representing the Noordwijk Rescue Brigade. “It is a valuable addition to our existing resources.”

Rick van Duijvenbode from the Katwijk Rescue Brigade adds: “We expect not only to be able to work more safely, but also hope to inspire young volunteers to join the rescue brigade. This technology really appeals to a new generation.”

Professional support by Unmanned Valley

Unmanned Valley, located in the municipality of Katwijk, is guiding the process and supporting the rescue brigades in setting up their flight organisations, training courses, operational manuals, and selecting suitable drones. The test and training flights will take place at the Unmanned Valley test site and along the coast.

“It is inspiring to see how drone technology can be used to save lives and enhance beach safety, but above all, how much enthusiasm there is among the volunteers to embrace this new technology and learn how to deploy it,” says Alexander Meij, project manager at Unmanned Valley. “Together with the rescue brigades, we are building a professional and sustainable drone programme step by step.”

Regional cooperation and funding

The project is a collaboration between the Katwijk Rescue Brigade, Noordwijk Rescue Brigade, and Unmanned Valley, with financial contributions from the Economic Board Duin- en Bollenstreek, Holland Rijnland, the municipalities of Katwijk and Noordwijk, Rabobank Katwijk – Leiden, and Rabobank Duin- en Bollenstreek. By combining expertise, innovation, and volunteer work, the initiative contributes both to safety at sea and to the economic and social strengthening of the region.

Over the coming months, the flight organisations will be established, the first training courses will be completed, and the operational manual will be drafted. Following approval by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), the brigades will be able to carry out their first operational flights from the summer of 2026.

The festive kick-off will take place on Wednesday evening, 5 November, attended by Mayor Robbert-Jan van Duijn (municipality of Nieuwkoop) and Alderman Jacco Knape (municipality of Katwijk), among others.