Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – About 70 swimmers joined the New Year’s Dive at Galgenweel, Antwerp, organised by Karen and Ilse. “Right to Swim” activists An and Albert call for safer outdoor swimming in Flanders.
As VRT News reported, about 70 swimmers took part in the New Year’s Day dive into the cold waters of the Galgenweel in Antwerp. Anton, one of the swimmers, said,
“It was great fun, wonderful even. That cold wind was tough, but in the water, it was completely manageable.”
What drives 70 swimmers to the Galgenweel dive and calls for more swimming?
The New Year’s Dive was organised by Karen and Ilse, who held the first event last year. That first dive drew 50 people, and this year the number grew to 70. Alfred, who said he is not a “true polar bear,” also joined the swim and enjoyed the experience.
“The water was three degrees, just like the outside temperature. Ideal for swimming. I just love doing this,”
Alfred said.
“A refreshing dip on the first day of the new year connects people,”
say the organisers.
“It’s the best way to start the year. And the fact that it helps with a hangover is a bonus.”
The organisers of the New Year’s Dive also want to draw attention to a wider issue. They say there are too few safe and accessible places for outdoor swimming in Flanders. Karen and Ilse, who run the event, said more open swimming spots are needed for the public.
“We have a beautiful Galgenweel,”
they say.
“It would be great if we could swim here in the summer too.”
An and Albert from the action group “Right to Swim” support the call. They have campaigned for years to make outdoor swimming easier. The group says authorities do too little to create safe swimming areas. They mentioned that rules and restrictions often prevent people from enjoying local waters.
“Allow outdoor swimming everywhere in principle, and don’t allow it in places where it is truly unsafe. Now it’s the other way around.”
For many years now, there have been strict regulations regarding outdoor swimming in Flanders. However, new laws implemented by the Flemish Government on February 23rd, 2024, allow for a broader range of opportunities for outdoor swimming than ever before.
The Environmental Regulations for Swimming in Open Water (VLAREM II), which made it easier for municipalities to establish new swimming areas and also allowed for “free” swimming areas, or those that permit unsupervised swimming under certain criteria, went into effect in March of 2024.
