Antwerp's 't ZwemDok reopens for summer season at MAS
.jpg)
The open-air swimming zone 't ZwemDok in the Bonapartedok, next to Antwerp's MAS museum, reopens on Saturday for the summer season. Until the end of August, visitors can swim there free of charge every weekend, provided they reserve a time slot in advance.
The swimming area was launched as a pilot project in 2024 and quickly proved popular, attracting around 12,000 visitors last summer. For the new season, several upgrades have been made, including an extended jetty, a resting island in the water and a portable lift for people with reduced mobility.
't ZwemDok measures 50 metres by 35 metres and accommodates both recreational and lap swimmers. Because the dock is between 4.5 and 6 metres deep, only swimmers aged 12 and over are allowed to enter the water. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes.
Sporting A, which operates the site together with Sportoase, expects strong interest again this year. Antwerp alderman for sport Stijn De Rooster (N-VA) said the city has invested in improving both the infrastructure and the visitor experience. "With a substantial infrastructure upgrade and extra attention to decor and the overall experience, we want to make it even harder to resist the allure of 't ZwemDok," he said.
Water quality will continue to be closely monitored throughout the summer. In addition to checks by city services and lifeguards, the Flemish Environment Agency will carry out weekly water sampling. The swimming zone may be temporarily closed if water quality deteriorates, as happened once last year due to blue-green algae.
The city is also examining whether additional activities, such as swimming lessons, club training sessions and aqua fitness classes, can be organised outside public opening hours.
#FlandersNewsService | The 't ZwemDok' public swimming pool at the Bonapartedok docks in Antwerp
©BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
Related news
