From today, lifeguards are back on the beach, for the time being only in the West Flemish seaside resorts of Knokke-Heist and Nieuwpoort. But they are already warning that the sea water is still very cold, around 13 degrees. When the weather is fine, people sometimes rush into the water too quickly. The lifeguards advise caution.
Coast lifeguards issue a warning as holiday season begins: ‘Don’t jump suddenly into the cold sea water’
Colin Clapson
Published:
In Knokke-Heist, three lifeguard stations are open from today. Each station has four lifeguards, the same staffing levels as during the peak season. The season in Knokke-Heist traditionally starts on 1 May, and chief lifeguard Dries Hautekiet expects large crowds straight away. It is a long weekend and the weather is set to be fine.
But fine weather combined with sea water that hasn’t warmed up yet poses a risk. “The water temperature is currently only 13 degrees,” says Hautekiet. “It’s very important that you give your body a chance to adjust to the temperature. You do this by entering the water very gently and not jumping in quickly and suddenly.”
Severe physical reaction
“Anyone who has warmed up in the sun and then jumps into the cold sea water risks a severe physical reaction,” says Hautekiet. “Don’t go too far out into the water either. You can cool off just as easily along the shoreline.’
Swimming is permitted in areas where lifeguards are present. Today, this will only be the case in Knokke-Heist and Nieuwpoort; other seaside resorts will follow in the weeks or months to come. “It is important, however, that you always follow the lifeguards’ instructions carefully.”
Hautekiet has a few other points of advice for those heading to the beach this weekend:
Apply plenty of sunscreen in fine weather.
Keep a close eye on children so they don’t get lost.
Don’t dig deep holes in the sand.