Authorities in Son en Breugel and Geestmerambacht are warning residents about the dangers of swimming in open water without official supervision.
The municipality of Son en Breugel has no designated official swimming locations, according to mooisonenbreugel. nl.
Residents are advised to use monitored sites in the region where water quality and physical safety are checked.
Key Safety Advice
Swimming in open water carries inherent risks that vary by location.
Safety advice includes not swimming alone, avoiding areas with boat traffic, and steering clear of bridges, sluices, and water treatment facilities.
The municipality also warns against diving into unknown or murky water. Residents should report dead animals found in the water to authorities.
Christiaan Kranenbarg of the Dijk en Waard Rescue Brigade highlighted dangers present even in recreational lakes like Geestmerambacht.
"Many people know the dangers of the sea, such as rip currents, but forget that recreational lakes also carry risks," he said.
He mentioned cold water, unexpected depths, and swimmers overestimating their abilities as key concerns. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable, he added.
Kranenbarg stressed the importance of raising awareness, especially on busy summer days. "We do not want to impose rules but encourage awareness," he said.
"Don't swim alone, always watch children, get out of the water if cold, stay within safety lines, and avoid diving."
To improve safety, the Rescue Brigade distributes special swim bands with chest straps that prevent slipping off and help turn children face-up in water.
"With regular bands, children sometimes jump with arms raised, causing the bands to slip off," Kranenbarg explained.
Miranda Zonneveld from Recreatieschap Geestmerambacht said the band distribution helps start conversations with parents.
"We have four days this summer to engage with visitors, explaining why the bands are important and what to watch for," she said.
Parents at Geestmerambacht welcomed the campaign, expressing concerns over recent drowning incidents. One mother said, "I hear on the news about children drowning, like recently at Luna Beach.
It makes me scared as a mother."
Another parent added, "The bands are great, but the advice to never lose sight of children is the most important message."
