Interest in open water swimming is growing rapidly, especially as warmer summers encourage more outdoor recreation. In response, Sport Flanders is launching a new guidance program for local governments, offering expert support and subsidies of up to 30%. Antea Group, together with its consortium partners, is delivering the program and helping cities and municipalities develop accessible open water swimming locations.

Funding and support for open water swimming sites

The Flemish Government is investing €1.5 million between 2025 and 2027 to create new, safe swimming zones in open water. Local governments can participate through a group purchasing program and receive support throughout the entire preparatory process from site selection to communication planning.

This approach aligns with the relaxation of VLAREM II regulations and the updated guidelines from the Department of Care regarding recreational open water swimming.

Three modules tailored to local needs

The guidance program consists of three practical components that can be used separately or together:

  • Part 1 – Swimming site selection: Through an initial consultation and a multi-criteria analysis (MCA), potential locations are objectively compared, taking into account factors such as accessibility, waterbed conditions, and stakeholder support.
    Part 2 – Risk assessment: Guidance in preparing the mandatory risk analysis required by the Department of Care.
    Part 3 – Communication and operations: Tailored advice on managing the swimming zone and effectively communicating it to residents and visitors.

With this approach, we aim to help local governments create safe, future-proof swimming locations. By combining our expertise in water management, spatial analysis, and climate-resilient design, we make the transition from concept to implementation both feasible and widely supported. The guidance program is delivered by a consortium led by the Local Sports Policy Network, in collaboration with Idea Consult and Envicas.