Swim Safely: Choose Official Swimming Areas
On hot days, a refreshing dip in natural water is tempting, but don’t just swim anywhere. It’s best to choose an official swimming spot. During the swimming season, HHNK takes monthly water quality samples at the 31 official swimming spots. These tests check for blue-green algae and various bacteria, including intestinal enterococci and E. coli. High temperatures can cause water quality to change rapidly. Warm, stagnant water promotes the growth of disease-causing bacteria and blue-green algae. Swimming in contaminated water can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems and skin irritation.
Check zwemwater.nl beforehand
If bacteria or blue-green algae cause swimming water quality standards to be exceeded, HHNK advises the North Holland Provincial Environmental Service on issuing a warning or a “do not swim” advisory for the location in question. The Environmental Service is in direct contact with the site managers regarding the placement of warning signs. Before you leave, check www.zwemwater.nl. There you’ll find the current water quality of official swimming locations in the Netherlands. You’ll also see immediately whether a warning, negative swimming advisory, or swimming ban is in effect. At the location itself, you can recognize official swimming spots by the blue information sign; any warning signs will also be posted there.
Here's how to reduce the risk of symptoms
- Swim only at official swimming areas.
- Check the current swimming water quality in advance.
- Read the blue information sign at the swimming area.
- Do not go swimming if there is a warning, a negative swimming advisory, or a swimming ban.
- Avoid water that has a green film on the surface, an unusual odor, or visible debris.
- Rinse off after swimming if possible, and wash your hands before eating.
- Do not let children or dogs play in water that may contain blue-green algae.
