5,000 Swimmers Dive into Antwerp"s Bonapartedok Event

The Antwerp swimming days were a significant event that attracted 5,000 swimmers over six Sundays, showcasing the city's commitment to outdoor activities. This initiative allowed participants to swim in the Bonapartedok, a designated area that was monitored for safety. Despite the enthusiasm, the final swimming day was canceled due to the presence of harmful blue-green algae, which was a disappointment for many. However, the overall feedback from attendees was positive, indicating a strong interest in such community events. The event was organized through a collaboration between Waterland, the city of Antwerp, and VZW Outdoor Swimming, which has long advocated for more open water swimming opportunities. The success of the swimming days highlighted the demand for safe swimming spots in the city, as many residents expressed a desire for more facilities. Sigrid Sprut from Outdoor Swimming noted the importance of volunteers in making the event successful and acknowledged the need for improvements in the booking system, which had caused some stress among participants. Looking ahead, there is hope for the establishment of a permanent swimming area in the Bonapartedok, as well as enhancements to other outdoor swimming locations, such as the pond in Boekenbergpark in Deurne. The positive reception of the swimming days suggests that the community values these opportunities for outdoor recreation and that there is potential for future events. In conclusion, the Antwerp swimming days not only provided a platform for recreational swimming but also fostered community engagement and highlighted the need for more accessible swimming facilities in the city.