During 1969 life-boats of the Royal South-Holland Association for the Saving of the Shipwrecked were called out 70 times, 30 of which resulted in 111 lives being saved. Over 50 per cent, of the services last year resulted from various sporting activities and water tourism.

The Dutch are looking into the question of a stabilised stretcher for sick or injured people which reduces the effect of pitching when steaming in rough conditions. A stretcher mounting has been developed which, it is claimed, dampens movement..