Outdoor Swimming in Voorschoten
Especially when the weather is warm, it’s nice to be able to swim outdoors. Unfortunately, the municipality has no choice but to advise people against swimming in Voorschoten’s public waters. The water quality is simply too poor at the moment, and national regulations also prohibit swimming in certain areas.
Water Quality in Voorschoten's Outdoor Waters Is Poor
In recent years, the municipality has commissioned studies on water quality. At nearly all monitoring sites, the water contains too little oxygen and too much E. coli. E. coli bacteria occur naturally in the intestines of animals and humans and therefore indicate an excess of sewage in surface water. The municipality regularly receives reports of foul odors and dead fish. As a result, swimming in Voorschoten’s open waters currently poses too many health risks.
Want to learn more about water quality in Voorschoten?
News Article:Water Quality in Voorschoten Is Fair to Poor
National Regulations on Swimming in Open Water
In the Netherlands, public waters—that is, waters accessible to boats—are generally governed by the Inland Waterways Police Regulations (BPR). The BPR were established by the national government. These regulations stipulate, for example, that swimming is prohibited near bridges, locks, and boat docks. For more information about national regulations regarding swimming in public waters, visit the Rijkswaterstaat website at .
Frequently Asked Questions
Where am I allowed to swim?
You are allowed to swim at nationally designated swimming areas. Water quality and safety conditions are regularly monitored at these locations. The nearest swimming spots are: the Vlietlanden, the Valkenburgsemeer, the Cronensteijn Water Playground in Leiden, and the North Sea.
At this time, there are no designated swimming areas in Voorschoten. This means there are no locations where the municipality can guarantee the safety of swimmers. This is due to the quality of the water, as well as other hazards such as sunken debris, a steep or sucking bottom, or passing boats.
Want to learn more about safe places to swim? Visit www.zwemwater.nl.
Why is the swimming ban being enforced “all of a sudden”?
The rules haven't changed. If the municipality or the police receive a report that people are swimming in areas where it is not permitted, they must take action.
Is it okay for me to go out on the water in a small boat or on a SUP board and then go for a swim?
You are allowed to go out on the water in a small boat, on a SUP board, or in a canoe, for example. Of course, you can swim if you fall into the water. But you shouldn’t use the boat as an excuse to go swimming in places where it’s not safe.