Saturday will be real spring scorcher with temperatures up to 24°C, but the coastal rescue service is warning the general public that swimming in the sea is not allowed. During the Flemish Easter holidays, no lifeguards are being deployed on the beach and consequently bathing is banned.
"Swimming in the sea is not yet allowed," says the rescue service’s An Beun. "Moreover, the water is very cold. It would not be healthy for swimmers. Enjoy the fine weather and the beach, but don't go into the sea."
"It is not very smart to go into the water when there are no lifeguards. If you get into trouble, there is no one to help you. Besides, the risk of cold shock is very high. It's going to be warm, but the sea is still cold. Paddling is not a problem, but swimming is not recommended."
The first lifeguards appear on the beach in the jet set resort of Knokke-Heist (West Flanders) during the first weekend of May.