Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Free open-air swimming at Bonapartedok, near MAS in Antwerp, runs every weekend (12:00–19:30) until Sept 14, 2025. Led by Sportoase, with lifeguards, 100 swimmers per half-hour. €200,000 invested.
As VRT News reported, the summer swimming season in Antwerp has begun at the Bonapartedok, near the MAS museum. This year, there’s more swimming than ever before. After the success of last year, the city is offering free open-air swimming every weekend for the next 3 months. People can swim for free on Saturdays and Sundays.
A customised dock position has been created as a swimming spot, with MAS and Eilandje in the background. The water is for public use with guards. Officials mentioned that there are also flotation platforms to allow easier entry into and exit from the water. Generally speaking, the waters are checked for cleanliness regularly.
What is Antwerp’s Bonapartedok offering this swimming season?
To start the season, Antwerp’s Sports leaders, Stijn De Rooster and Annick De Ridder, were the first to swim. The water was 18.5°C and felt warmer than expected. Swimmers like Seppe, Malika, and Willem also joined in.
They were satisfied with the water, saying it felt good and that it wasn’t too cold. They appreciated that there was no chlorine. They stated that this swimming has been part of the city’s initiative to improve public spaces and provide opportunities for public outdoor activities.
Swimming at the Bonapartedok in Antwerp, near the MAS, is now a regular weekend event. It’s open every weekend from 12:00 to 19:30 until September 14 2025. The event is run by Sportoase, giving a place to swim with a view of the museum and harbour.
There’s a new jetty. The swimming area has lanes for swimming and a play area. Up to 100 people can swim each half-hour, and there are lifeguards. People need to book a spot in advance, but it’s free to swim.
Stijn De Rooster, the Alderman for Sports, said the city has invested about €200,000 in the Bonapartedok to make it a recognised swimming area. This money was used for safety, improvements, and operations. De Rooster explained that people in Antwerp needed more places to swim.
He mentioned that in 2024, many people wanted to swim, but at that time it was not free. Now, people can swim every weekend for free and safely. One swimmer is excited to finally swim there, and another said it’s a relief since pools in Antwerp can get crowded.
