Teen and young adult awarded for heroic rescue in Veendam
Two courageous cousins, aged 14 and 19, were honored for saving a drowning man in Veendam last October. Their quick action and bravery highlight the importance of bystander intervention in emergencies, directly impacting a civilian's life.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Awardees | Ruben Meems (14), Gerben Meijer (19) |
| Location | Molenstreek, Veendam |
| Date of Incident | October 22, 2025 |
| Award | Silver honorary medal (KMRD) |
| Presented by | Mayor Annelies Pleyte |
| Organization Involved | Royal Society for the Rescue of Drowning Persons (KMRD) |
| Outcome | Man rescued and received first aid |
The Municipality of Veendam, represented by Mayor Annelies Pleyte, plays a role in recognizing local acts of bravery and community service. The Royal Society for the Rescue of Drowning Persons (KMRD) is a national organization that honors individuals who save lives from drowning, promoting water safety and bystander intervention.
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Presentation of silver honorary medals for rescuing man from water in Veendam
On Wednesday, January 28, Mayor Annelies Pleyte presented two silver honorary medals from the Royal Society for the Rescue of Drowning Persons (KMRD) to Ruben Meems and Gerben Meijer. The presentation took place in the council chamber at Veendam Town Hall in the presence of family, friends, and a board member of the KMRD.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, cousins Gerben Meijer (19) and Ruben Meems (14) from Vlagtwedde rescued a man from the water at Molenstreek in Veendam. The boys were fishing when they heard someone shouting for help: a man had fallen into the water. Gerben did not hesitate for a moment and jumped into the water. The man had by then disappeared underwater, and due to the dark water, Gerben could not locate him immediately. On a second attempt, he succeeded.
Gerben brought the man to the surface, after which Ruben and a bystander pulled him from the water. Another bystander administered first aid until emergency services arrived.
Silver honorary medal
In addition to the silver honorary medal and certificate, Gerben Meijer and Ruben Meems were awarded a small gift and flowers by the Municipality of Veendam. Mayor Pleyte expressed her great appreciation for Gerben and Ruben’s rescue efforts: “It is very impressive how these boys acted without hesitation at the moment it mattered. Fortunately, the rescue operation had a positive outcome.”
The Royal Society for the Rescue of Drowning Persons (KMRD) honors individuals who have saved someone from drowning. Board member Henk Leegte of the KMRD stated: “It is extraordinary to be able to save someone. Yet we often see people standing by or filming, while no one takes action. The key is to do something. That’s how you can make a difference.” For more information about the organization, visit www.drenkeling.nl.