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.
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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.
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"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.
