It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Albert Bas, ILS Board Member and Chairman of the Reddingsbrigades Nederland – KNBRD (Dutch Lifesaving federation) passed away on Sunday 11 February at the age of 63.

ILS and KNBRD lost a very dedicated board member and great friend, a remarkable person who has put his work for lifesaving as a top priority of his too short life. Throughout the organisation Albert was a very valued and loved person.

For more than 30 Albert had various functions in committees and the board of directors and was active in the education programme of the organisation as tutor as well as examiner. This was his way to keep good contact with the active members performing life saving duties.

In 1985 he became member of the board and in 1995 he was appointed as Secretary General. From 2004 he became chairman. Despite his heart problems, he stayed active as long as he could. Albert was member of the ILS and ILSE board and represented KNBRD in many national organisations.

For all his voluntary work he received a Royal decoration from the Order of Knighthood of Oranje Nassau. Only a few people in the Netherlands qualify for this decoration.

ILS sends its most sincere condolences to his wife and children, his family and friends and colleagues in the KNBRD.