Open-water swimming will soon be permitted in many more places. From 1 June 2027, the Flemish Government will be reversing the rules: open-water swimming will be permitted everywhere, unless explicitly prohibited. As a result, responsibility will lie more with the people who manages waters and the swimmers themselves.
Open-water swimming to be permitted across Flanders from next summer, unless explicitly prohibited
Colin Clapson
Published:
At present, swimming in rivers, ponds and lakes is generally prohibited, unless it is explicitly permitted. That rule is set to change next year. From 1 June 2027, you will be allowed to swim in all waters in public spaces, unless safety reasons prevent it.
Ann De Ceulaer of the association Outdoor Swimming Belgium is pleased. The association has been calling for the rules to be changed for the past six years. “It’s good that more open-water swimming spots will be accessible to everyone.”
140 extra swimming locations
By reversing the logic and automatically permitting swimming, environment minister Brouns expects a great many new swimming locations to emerge. “I estimate that in Flanders this will amount to around 140 extra locations.”
It is ultimately up to the water authority to determine whether safety is guaranteed. “Take the Nature and Forests Agency (ANB) as an example,” explains Brouns. “They manage around sixty bodies of water. It is up to them to designate where swimming is too dangerous.”
Nothing will change on the coast, and the current arrangements with the lifeguard services will remain in place. Responsibility lies with owners and swimmers
Safety remains absolute priority
A strict risk assessment will be carried out for navigable canals. Water authorities may impose a local swimming ban if they can provide sound justification, for example due to heavy shipping traffic, dangerous currents or infrastructure works.
It is a responsibility that cities and local authorities might prefer not to bear, which means they may introduce a blanket ban as a preventative measure. “I do indeed notice a certain reluctance, partly out of fear of hassle and trouble,” says Brouns.
Spreading the crowds
“In Brussels young people, for example, have few places to swim. As a result, they flock en masse to the few locations that do exist. That is precisely why it is a good idea to create as many swimming areas as possible across all Flemish provinces. This spreads the crowds and keeps disruption to a minimum.”
The new regulations place the onus on the owners and managers of the water, but minister Brouns is also looking to the swimmers themselves. “It is crucial that people use their common sense and look after their own safety.”
After all, lifeguards or supervisors cannot be stationed at all these new locations. “That is impractical and financially unfeasible. Moreover, we will never be able to eliminate every risk.”