The diving event Duikvaker will take place in Expo Houten on February 3 and 4, 2024 - an event for all lovers of the underwater world. The place where divers come together and get informed about new diving materials, next training, the most beautiful diving destinations around the world and more.

The KNRM is also there! Not that divers need to be rescued on Duikvaker! But precisely to inform you about safety in and on the water. You may find peace under water and know exactly what to do, but what is it like when you put your head above water? Then it can be a lot less quiet…

Do you recognize it? You arrive at the top and that dinghy (or worse… a jet ski) passes by a few meters away. Or that kite surfer who is being thrown in your direction by the wind. The expletives fly back and forth across the water. But let's face it...could they have known you were underwater there?

GOOD TIPS FOR DIVERS

“Yes,” says Bas Brand. He is one of the volunteers (also a diver) who talks to visitors at Duikvaker. "Certainly! At least if you have thought about your safety in advance and taken the necessary measures.” Because honestly, do you place the diving flag on the side or boat before every dive so that other water users know that there are divers in the water? And do you always leave a buoy on before you surface? Bas and his colleagues provide information about safety on the water and have good tips to increase your visibility and therefore your safety.

But, we hear you thinking... if a skipper or surfer enters a diving area or skims close to your buoy, then he must know better, right? “Of course,” says Bas, “we not only inform divers about their safety, but also other water users – there is still a lot to be gained. We use the water together and must do so together in a safe way.” He does make a comment: “Unfortunately, water maps do not indicate anywhere where the diving sites are. Skippers cannot know that diving is also possible in a certain place.”

At the KNRM stand, Bas and his fellow volunteers will also tell you more about Check your Heart, the campaign that the KNRM has set up with other diving organizations to make divers aware of their health and fitness. Very important!

But what if something goes wrong somewhere? Is the KNRM also there for the diver? “Yes,” says Bas, “volunteers come into action from rescue stations throughout the Netherlands. Especially near diving locations, they are trained to recognize problems and rescue divers.”

Safe feeling, but prevention is still better than cure. Come visit the KNRM at Duikvaker and see together with the KNRM staff what you can do even better!