As spring approaches, Flanders relaxes rules on open-air swimming
Rules around outdoor swimming in Flanders will be relaxed in time for the spring and summer. The announcement of the change was initially made in a press conference in May but was confirmed and laid down in a decree by the Flemish government on Friday.
The text removes several conditions for recognition as a swimming area, including the obligation to provide showers, sanitary facilities, shower cabins and fire extinguishers. The criteria for the floor of the body of water, such as a sandy surface and a maximum gradient, have also been revised. The legislation also introduced a new category of bathing water: the free-swimming zone, allowing local authorities to work to provide additional sites.
A water quality test, authorisation from the owner or manager and a risk assessment, which the department of Health must approve, must be provided when applying to open a new swimming zone. By the end of March, there will be helpdesk where local governments can register their sites.
While the Netherlands has complete deregulation over swimming areas, that is not an option in Belgium, says Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir, of Flemish nationalists N-VA. "The number of drownings in the Netherlands is higher per million inhabitants,” she said. “For the sake of safety and water quality, the Flemish government believes that complete deregulation is a step too far.”
#FlandersNewsService | © AGE FOTOSTOCK
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