Newsletter March 2024

Dear parents and swimmers of Reddingsbrigade Amstelveen,

On March 13th, our chairman Ton Bakker said farewell as the chairman of the Amstelveen Lifeguard Brigade. During the general assembly, Ton gave a farewell speech in which he wished the board success for the future, including with the construction of the new swimming pool. Fortunately, Ton will remain involved with the association as an instructor.

Ton has officially passed on the chairman's gavel to the new chairman, Arend Rietveld. Further in this newsletter, he will introduce himself.

On April 18th, we will bid farewell to Ton as chairman in a festive manner. The reception will be held at Silversant in Amstelveen, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by sending an email to marlies.sienot@rb-amstelveen.nl.

Due to Ton's dedication and passion for the Lifeguard Brigade, he was honored with an honorary membership during the General Assembly. His wife, Wilma Bakker, has also been involved with our beloved brigade for 55 years. Just like her husband, she was celebrated and appointed as an honorary member. A fitting recognition for so many years of volunteer work and love for the RBA.

New Chairman Arend Rietveld

I am 42 years old and married to Cynthia. Together we have three beautiful daughters, all of whom are taking swimming lessons at RBA. I have been a member since 1987 and learned to swim here. I have been on the board for several years and am now chairman for three years. I'm looking forward to it! The challenges for the board in the coming period are: - Setting up beach surveillance in Aalsmeer in the summer - The 55th anniversary in August - Working on the basic requirements of social safety within the association If you have any questions, feel free to approach me. See you soon!

New Board Member

With Ton's departure, there was also a vacancy on the board. Herman Veldman has filled this position. Herman is not unfamiliar within our brigade, but he would still like to introduce himself: 'I am Herman, I live in Uithoorn and have been a member of the board of the Amstelveen Lifeguard Brigade since March 13th. After the dissolution of the Uithoorn Lifeguard Brigade, of which I was a member since 1986, I became a member of RBA. I already knew the association because Ton and Barbara often came to Uithoorn to conduct exams, and I in turn went to Amstelveen. Additionally, both brigades were in the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region and we collaborated on exercises. From Uithoorn, we supplemented the crew.

During that time, there was also talk of a possible collaboration in the field of water assistance because RBA first had a dinghy and later the Tinn from the NRV fleet, and Uithoorn had a number of skippers and crew members.

When I joined RBA, I immediately became concerned about Water Assistance. Guarding events and practicing with the Tinn now has a small core group of members who want to do this alongside rescue swimming. Unfortunately, because I am actively involved in Reddingsbrigade Nederland on Saturdays, I will not be present at the swimming pool very often.'

With Herman's arrival, the board is complete again and consists of Arend Rietveld, Linda Manders, Stefan Blank, Soraja Polinet, Herman Veldman, and Marlies Postma - Sienot.

Summer Surveillance in Aalsmeer

In the summer of 2022, the municipality of Aalsmeer approached us, the Amstelveen Lifeguard Brigade, to provide surveillance for several water events with our expertise. Therefore, annually we provide advice and actual presence at events like Vuurlicht, the Pramenrace, and the Oceanus Poeloversteek. Our efforts are so appreciated that the municipality of Aalsmeer has posed a significant question for the coming summer: 'Can the Lifeguard Brigade occupy a surveillance post at the surf island (the beach) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the seven weekends of the summer vacation and patrol the Westeinder with the boat?'

Arend and Herman have had several meetings about this over the past few months, and the decision has been made: the municipality will hire the Lifeguard Brigade for this surveillance! To prepare well, 8-10 members will also undergo Lifeguard training this spring.

If you're interested in participating as a crew member, we'd love to hear from you!

Other events where the Water Assistance of the Amstelveen Lifeguard Brigade will be present in the coming period:

- March 16th, the Heineken Rowing Regatta in Amsterdam

- May 26th, the Poeldag in Amstelveen

- June 26th, the Westeinder swimming performance event in Aalsmeer

- September 7th, Fire and light in Aalsmeer

- September 14th, Pramenrace in Aalsmeer

Diploma Achieved

As an NRZ certified brigade, we believe it's important that our instructors are well-trained. This ensures the quality of our swimming lessons. Therefore, we're very pleased to announce that instructor Irene Manders has obtained the diplomas 'Lifeguard Instructor, level 3' and 'Elementary Swimming Instructor, level 3'. Congratulations Irene!

Swim with us on March 30th

Every Saturday, the kids are in the pool while the parents sit in the stands. But following the success of last December 23rd, we're inviting (grand)parents once again to swim with us! On March 30th, it's free swimming, and parents are welcome to take a refreshing dip in the pool. So bring your swimsuit or trunks! One (grand)parent per swimming member, no non-member siblings allowed.

No Swimming Lessons During the May Holiday

Due to the May Holiday, there will be no swimming lessons on April 27th and May 4th.

Special Lesson Dates Until Summer Vacation

- March 30th: Free swimming

- April 27th: No swimming lessons

- May 4th: No swimming lessons

- May 25th: NRZ C* Diploma Swimming

- July 6th: NRZ A and B* Diploma Swimming

- July 13th: Junior Lifeguard Diploma 1 through 4* Swimming

- July 20th: Free swimming

*Students eligible to graduate will receive a written invitation from the swim instructor.

Warm regards,

Board of the Reddingsbrigade Amstelveen

Arend Rietveld

Reddingsbrigade Amstelveen