Tropical spring weather attracts mass to coast, hundreds of sun lovers ignore swimming ban: « Often it keeps on Pootjebaden » (inland)
© JVE
As if it was a tropical summer day: on the coast today it is a surprise. Thousands of people are also looking for cooling in the sea. Only in Knokke-Heist there are rescuers, but also in Blankenberge hundreds of people ventured into a first splash. « As long as they feel the ground, this doesn’t hurt, » says leader Tom Cocle.
The IKWV had warned extensively on Wednesday: be careful when you go swimming, because the water temperature is barely 12 degrees and there are only rescuers in Knokke-Heist. There a splash in the sea in three guarded zones was allowed. And that turned out not to be superfluous on this tropical Thursday. « There is a huge number of people, » said Bert de Brabandere (insight), ships for tourism and also competent for the beach rescuers.
Knokke-Heist is the first kiss municipality on 1 May where beach rescuers are deployed. Ships Bert de Brabandere (right) went to take a look. – © JVE
Added value
« People listen carefully to the advice of the rescuers. Their commitment today appears to be an added value, but of course we did not know that the weather would be nice if we have decided to put it on today, » said De Brabandere. So it’s a bit of a lucky goal. « If the weather was bad today, then our rescuers would continue to prepare the summer season. » From June 28, Knokke-Heist scales up to twelve guarded bath zones.
© JVE
A few kilometers away, in Blankenberge, the same scene. Hundreds of people ventured into a fresh dip in the North Sea. With one big difference: swimming is actually not allowed there yet, because only from 10 May beach rescuers will be provided. « We also note that there are many people in the water, » says leader Tom Cocle.
Keep vigilant
« We are not going to faint: people keep it careful. Often it stays with Pootjebaden or the water comes to the knees. As long as the people feel soil in the water, and not going deep, it is acceptable. But we still call to stay watch out, » said Cocle. « A few meters deeper, the water can suddenly be much colder. I understand that people are looking for some cooling in the sea. But please be careful because we cannot intervene. »
Those who prefer to keep it dry enjoyed the sun on one of the many beach bars, a sunbed or a towel. « I estimate that there are 12,000 to 14,000 people on the beach today, » said Cocle, who prepares the summer season with his colleagues. « From 11 May week you can swim, but then of course it will be a lot colder. »
© JVE
