Outdoor swimming in Voorschoten
Especially in warm weather, being able to swim outdoors is enjoyable. Unfortunately, the municipality has no choice but to advise people against swimming in the public waters of Voorschoten. The water quality is currently simply too poor, and national regulations also prohibit it in certain locations.
Quality of Voorschoten's outdoor water is poor
The municipality has commissioned research into water quality in recent years. Almost all measuring locations show too little oxygen and too much E. coli in the water. The E. coli bacterium occurs naturally in the intestines of animals and humans and therefore indicates an excess of sewage in the surface water. The municipality regularly receives reports of foul odors and dead fish. Consequently, swimming in the outdoor waters of Voorschoten currently carries too many health risks.
Want to read more about water quality in Voorschoten?
National regulations on swimming in outdoor water
In the Netherlands, public waters—that is, waters accessible to boats—are generally governed by the Inland Waterways Police Regulations (BPR). The BPR was drafted by the Dutch Waterways and Navigation Authority ( rijksoverheid). These regulations stipulate, for example, that swimming is prohibited in the neighbourhood of bridges, locks, and boat docks. More information about national regulations regarding swimming in public waters can be found on the Rijkswaterstaat website at .
Frequently asked questions
Where am I allowed to swim?
You are allowed to swim at nationally designated swimming water locations. Water quality and physical safety are regularly monitored there. The nearest swimming spots are: Vlietlanden, Valkenburgsemeer, Cronensteijn Water Playground in Leiden, and the North Sea.
Currently, there are no designated swimming water locations in Voorschoten. This means there are no places where the municipality can guarantee safety for swimmers. This is related to water quality, as well as other hazards such as sunken debris, steep or suctional bottoms, or passing boats.
Want to know more about safe places to swim? Visit www.zwemwater.nl.
Why is the swimming ban being enforced ‘all of a sudden’?
The rules have not changed. If the municipality or the police receive a report that people are swimming in unauthorized areas, they are obligated to respond.
Am I allowed to take a boat or SUP board onto the water and then go for a swim?
You are allowed to take a boat, SUP board, or canoe onto the water. Naturally, you are allowed to swim if you fall into the water. However, using the boat as an excuse to swim in areas where it is unsafe is not permitted.