Thanks to skyrocketing temperatures across the Netherlands, a growing number of natural swimming spots are currently facing health warnings due to deteriorating water quality.
Official data from Zwemwater.nl reveals that the number of active safety warnings has ticked up from 40 to 46 locations within the past few days.
Algal blooms are affecting Dutch swimming spots
According to Zwemwater, the Netherlands has 947 official swimming locations, ranging from lakes and ponds to coastal areas.
While the vast majority remain perfectly safe, recent warm weather has caused water conditions to deteriorate.
In addition to this, a stricter “negative swimming advisory” now blankets 35 different sites, up from 33 last week.
READ MORE | Swimming hazards at beaches, lakes, and canals in the Netherlands
Environmental agencies regularly test these spots for hazardous accumulations of blue-green algae (blauwalgen), as well as harmful bacteria like E. coli and enterococci.
At present, several locations are off-limits due to algal blooms, which carry a risk of skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems.
What swimming spots are currently off-limits?
Popular spots on the “No Swimming” list include:
- Spaarnwoude,
- Haarlemmermeerse Bos Plas,
- Haarlemmermeerse Bos pond,
- Zwaansmeer,
- Loosdrechtse plassen peuterbad strook,
- Plas Vrijenburgbos,
- Noord Aa Naaktstrand,
- Kralingse Plas,
- Zevenhuizerplas Strand Noordwestzijde,
- Noord Aa Zwemstrand,
- and Hof van Capelle (among many others).
For the full list, please view the current warnings (actuele waarschuwingen) on the Zwemwater website.
Here’s how to stay safe
Fortunately, you don’t have to cancel your outdoor plans entirely.
To protect yourself and your family from skin irritation, stomach flu, or worse, keep these practical steps in mind before heading out:
- Always check if warnings apply: Before you pack your towel, check the real-time status of your chosen spot. Does Zwemwater indicate a warning? Sites like Zwemindex can help you find alternatives.
- Decode the warning flags: On-site signs will tell you the current safety level. A yellow warning sign means there is an elevated risk of illness, an orange sign indicates a negative swimming advisory (swimming is strongly discouraged), and a red sign means an absolute swimming ban.
- Stick to monitored swim zones: Avoid random canals, rivers, or ponds. Official locations are strictly monitored until October 1, which marks the formal end of the Dutch outdoor swimming season.
Want to make sure DutchReview pops up on your news feed more often? Just add us as a preferred news provider, and we’ll handle the rest.
