Who checks on you? Safe in and out of the water

This week sees the launch of the national campaign 'Who checks you? – Safe in and out of the water', intended to make swimmers more aware of the risks of open water. The reason for this is the increasing number of drownings among the Dutch, particularly men over sixty. It is also prohibited to swim in the navigation channels of rivers, in canals, and near bridges, locks, and harbors.

Who checks on you? – Safe in and out of the water

In 2024, 107 people drowned; half of them were over 60, according to preliminary figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The campaign aims to help prevent accidents, particularly among groups who think they can handle the water.

When the weather is nice, many people seek cooling in the sea or a lake, for example. Swimming in open water is wonderful and fun to do. But it is not always without risks. Due to currents, waves, rip currents, or sudden temperature changes, a refreshing dip can easily turn into a life-threatening situation. Many swimmers are unaware of this. Every year, about a hundred people drown in open water in the Netherlands. Much more often, rescue organizations such as the KNRM and the Lifesaving Brigade save swimmers who have gotten into trouble.

Every drowning victim is one too many. The number of drownings must be reduced further. That is why the National Council for Swimming Safety, Lifesaving Association Netherlands, KNRM, Rijkswaterstaat, site managers, provinces, and municipalities are working together within the framework of the National Swimming Safety Plan. They do this, among other things, through the campaign 'Who checks you? – Safe in and out of the water'. This national awareness campaign makes people aware of the risks of swimming in open water and shows what people can do themselves to increase their safety in the water. So that fewer people get into trouble in open water and they get safely into and out of the water.

A breath of fresh air is blowing through the campaign. This year, too, the National Council for Swimming Safety, together with partners, is committed to safe swimming in open water. In the fourth year of the campaign, the decision was made to develop new, topical content, which will be visible in both online and offline communications starting this summer.

The new imagery gives the campaign a more inclusive and contemporary character, appealing to a broader target audience. After all, keeping an eye out remains relevant for everyone: young and old, newcomers and experienced swimmers alike.  

Safe swimming: where is it safe and where isn't it?

In warm weather, it is tempting to seek cooling in open water. However, this can be life-threatening. Therefore, swimming is prohibited in the navigation channels of rivers, in canals, and near bridges, locks, and harbors. In the Netherlands, there are a number of places in and around our waterways where swimming is prohibited:

• navigation channels of rivers
• channels
• bridges
• locks
• ports

Jumping off bridges is also prohibited. It is forbidden to swim in the navigation channels of rivers, in canals, and near bridges, locks, and harbors. This is not without reason, as it is life-threatening. If you swim here anyway, you risk a fine of 170 € (amount 2025).  

<strong> More info: </strong>

Who checks on you? – Safe in and out of the water: https://veiliginenuithetwater.nl/

Safe swimming, where and where not?:

https://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/water/waterbeheer/veilig-zwemmen-waar-wel-en-niet Find swimming water: https://www.zwemwater.nl/