Trial Swimming Project in Forelput Deemed Successful; Sint-Gillis-Waas Explores Permanent Venue

The municipality of Sint-Gillis-Waas is celebrating the success of a four-day trial project that opened the Forelput pond to swimmers. Approximately 500 people took advantage of the opportunity to swim in the pond during the event, known as the Zalige Zwemdagen (Blissful Swimming Days).

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We could not have wished for a nicer 4-day event. Beautiful weather, no incidents, and enthusiastic swimmers. We are doing everything we can to find a permanent place to swim next year.

"We couldn't have wished for a nicer four-day event," said alderman Denis D'hanis (N-VA). He highlighted the perfect weather, the absence of incidents, and the enthusiastic participation of swimmers. The water quality was consistently tested and found to be good throughout the event, with triathletes also using the pond for training alongside recreational swimmers.

Given the positive reception and the clear demand from residents, the municipality is eager to establish a permanent open-water swimming spot. "We don't have a municipal swimming pool, and residents are truly asking for it. Eighty percent of the visitors over the past few days came from Sint-Gillis-Waas," D'hanis explained. The Forelput is privately owned, and the owner agreed to the trial project, which was supported by European and Flemish funding that covered security, a reservation system, and lifeguards.

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It was a great success. The water quality was tested every day and it was good. There were no incidents and the weather was fantastic.

Looking ahead, the municipality is in discussions with various parties and owners of other ponds or water bodies. The Kreek van Saleghem is a primary candidate, with "all lights green" for the project, although the Agency for Nature and Forest still has some remarks to address. New Flemish legislation, set to take effect by June 1, 2027, will permit swimming in public waters unless officially prohibited for safety reasons, further supporting the push for more official free swimming zones.

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We don't have a municipal swimming pool and residents are truly asking for it. Eighty percent of the visitors over the past few days came from Sint-Gillis-Waas.