Safe swimming

Drowning is more common than you think. In the Netherlands, 105 people drowned in 2022.

About three quarters drown in open water and about a quarter in and around the house. Most drownings in open water happen in places where there is no supervision and people enter the water spontaneously. Alcohol and swimming do not mix. If you enter the water after drinking alcohol, you risk death. Alcohol reduces swimming skills and increases the risk of health problems.

When you lie in the sun, your body has warmed up. Before diving into the water, your body needs to cool down first. First your head, armpits, chest. Do this slowly. A sudden temperature change in the water can make you lose consciousness.