New swimming zone opens in Bruges' Langerei canal

Bruges residents are flocking to a newly opened swimming zone in the Langerei canal, a welcome respite from the summer heat. The facility, officially launched on Saturday, features a 50-meter sports area for lap swimming and a 30-meter recreational zone.

"With this warm weather, it's wonderful to be able to cool off here," said Ismael Shajrawi, who visited with his children. "If this wasn't here, we'd have to drive to the sea. Now we hop on our bikes and are in the water in about 20 minutes."

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With this warm weather, it's wonderful to be able to cool off here. If this wasn't here, we'd have to drive to the sea. Now we hop on our bikes and are in the water in about 20 minutes.

City official Olivier Strubbe highlighted the Langerei's advantages over the previous Coupure location. "The water quality is better here, there's a larger water surface, and a big grass field for sunbathing," he explained. "Bicycles can also be easily parked. Moreover, swimming in the canals is something unique, both for Bruges residents and for tourists."

The zone includes essential amenities such as toilets, changing rooms, and a first aid station. While the recreational area is supervised by lifeguards and monitors, the sports zone has no supervision. Children under 10 require adult accompaniment. The swimming zone is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until August 28, offering free access.

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The water quality is better here, there's a larger water surface, and a big grass field for sunbathing. Bicycles can also be easily parked. Moreover, swimming in the canals is something unique, both for Bruges residents and for tourists.