Willebroek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Authorities have temporarily banned swimming at Hazewinkel pond in Willebroek due to safety concerns, urging residents to follow public health guidelines.
There has been evidence of blue-green algae, which can cause illness. Training sessions for open water swimming have been temporarily discontinued.
Hazewinkel also hosts water sports camps, though these will continue with some changes. For Hazewinkel, Belgium, this is not surprising: it will be a yearly occurrence.
“Is this a surprise? Not really,”
Says Kurt Lobbestael of Hazewinkel.
“Blue-green algae has been appearing for the past five or six years. We saw the water becoming cloudy last week, so we saw it coming this time too.”
“This is becoming an annual phenomenon, and the problem is getting bigger every time. So, unfortunately, we’re experts by experience, and that’s why we always have a plan B ready for our activities.”
“There are some adjustments to be made for our sports camps, because the children there are learning to windsurf, for example, and they regularly fall in the water,”
Says Lobbestael.
“For that, we have to find an alternative location, because we have another pond we can use. The tricky part is that we’d have to move all the boats and such.”
Many top athletes also train at Hazewinkel, and for some of them, this means they’ll have to go elsewhere for the time being.
“Open water swimming is obviously cancelled. There are training sessions twice a week with an average of 200 swimmers. Those who booked tickets for those will, of course, be refunded.”
The Belgian and French national rowing and kayaking teams are currently also training at Hazewinkel, but that can continue as usual because there’s minimal contact with the water.
“They do need to wash their hands and equipment thoroughly,”
Lobbestael emphasizes.
Health issues like diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, and skin and eye irritation can affect anyone who comes into contact with blue-green algae.
What measures are most effective in preventing blue-green algae from forming in lakes?
Limiting phosphorus and nitrogen runoff from sources such as fertilizers, agriculture, lawn treatments, sewage, and pet waste is essential. Using phosphorus-free fertilizers and detergents helps prevent nutrient enrichment that fuels algae growth.
Planting native vegetation with deep roots along lake shorelines acts as a natural filter that intercepts sediment, nutrients, and organic materials before they enter the water. This promotes biodiversity and stabilizes soil to prevent erosion and nutrient runoff.
Installing aerators, fountains, or diffused oxygen systems circulates water, reduces stagnant zones, and alters oxygen and nutrient dynamics to inhibit algae bloom development. Aeration also supports healthy aquatic life and reduces nutrient availability for cyanobacteria.
