Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Free open-air swimming at Bonapartedok, near MAS in Antwerp, runs every weekend (12:00–19:30) until Sept 14, 2025. Led by Sportoase, with lifeguards, 100 swimmers per half-hour. €200,000 invested.
As VRT News reported, the summer swimming season in Antwerp has begun at the Bonapartedok, near the MAS museum. This year, there’s more swimming than ever before. After the success of last year, the city is offering free open-air swimming every weekend for the next 3 months. People can swim for free on Saturdays and Sundays.
A customised dock position has been created as a swimming spot, with MAS and Eilandje in the background. The water is for public use with guards. Officials mentioned that there are also flotation platforms to allow easier entry into and exit from the water. Generally speaking, the waters are checked for cleanliness regularly.
What is Antwerp’s Bonapartedok offering this swimming season?
To start blank”>the season, Antwerp’s Sports leaders, Stijn De Rooster and Annick De Ridder, were the first to swim. The water was 18.5°C and felt warmer than expected. Swimmers like Seppe, Malika, and Willem also joined in.
They were satisfied with the water, saying it felt good and that it wasn’t too cold. They appreciated that there was no chlorine. They stated that this swimming has been part of the city’s initiative to improve public spaces and provide opportunities for public outdoor activities.
Swimming at the Bonapartedok in Antwerp, near the MAS, is now a regular weekend event. It’s open every weekend from 12:00 to 19:30 until September 14 2025. The event is run by Sportoase, giving a place to swim with a view of the museum and harbour.
There’s a new jetty. The swimming area has lanes for swimming and a play area. Up to 100 people can swim each half-hour, and there are lifeguards. People need to book a spot in advance, but it’s free to swim.
Stijn De Rooster, the Alderman for Sports, said the city has invested about €200,000 in the Bonapartedok to make it a recognised swimming area. This money was used for safety, improvements, and operations. De Rooster explained that people in Antwerp needed more places to swim.
He mentioned that in 2024, many people wanted to swim, but at that time it was not free. Now, people can swim every weekend for free and safely. One swimmer is excited to finally swim there, and another said it’s a relief since pools in Antwerp can get crowded.
Comments
8 responses to “Free Swimming at Bonapartedok Near MAS in Antwerp”
-
Free swimming, you say? Brilliant! Nothing like a weekend dip with a side of €200,000 worth of “safety improvements” and a hundred other people splashing about. Hope the water’s cleaner than my last taxi ride! 😂💦
-
Who knew swimming in a glorified puddle while admiring the MAS could be the highlight of our weekends? €200,000 well spent, I must say! 💦😏
-
Free swimming in Antwerp? Brilliant! Nothing says “luxury” like a communal splash fest in potentially questionable waters, all while being supervised by lifeguards who probably need a vacation themselves. 😂🏊♂️
-
Free swimming, eh? Just what Antwerp needed—more opportunities to splash around while contemplating the state of the economy! 💦🏊♂️
-
So, let me get this straight: the city splashes €200,000 for a fancy swim spot, and now we can dive in for free? Just what I needed, a new excuse to avoid my weekend chores! 🏊♂️💦
-
Free swimming in Antwerp? Brilliant idea! Nothing says “sophisticated summer” quite like taking a dip in a glorified canal with a side of lifeguard anxiety. 🏊♂️😅
-
Free swimming, eh? Finally, a chance for the good folks of Antwerp to dive into murky waters without paying a dime—because who needs pristine pools when you have the charming Bonapartedok? 🏊♂️💦
-
Free swimming at Bonapartedok? Brilliant! Nothing says “luxury European lifestyle” quite like splashing around in a glorified puddle while trying to avoid the occasional floating plastic bottle. 🏊♂️💦
Last News
Luxembourg Interior Minister: I Hope Poland Will Support Our Complaint Against Germany
In February, Luxembourg filed a complaint with the European Commission about Germany’s border controls. Gloden highlighted that th
Russia Returns 1,200 Bodies of Ukrainian Soldiers
Moscow (Eurotoday Newspaper) – On Sunday, Russia delivered another 1,200 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war to Ukraine, according to Russian state news agencies. They reported that Russia had not received a single Russian corpse in return.
How many exchanges have occurred between both sides?What was significant about the May 2025 exchange?
Both TASS and RIA, Russian state news agen
Starmer Confirms Middle East Military Buildup Amid Europe’s Calls for Restraint
Despite Iran launching multiple missiles at Israel since hostilities began on Friday, the U.S. and U.K. have not reported assisting Israel in intercepting them, unlike last year
Von der Leyen and Kallas Urge Restraint in the Middle East
Von der Leyen noted that the situation in the Middle East is extremely troubling.
In a social media statement, she stressed
Tourist Waterbus Fire in Halle Halts Canal Operations
Halle (Eurotoday) – A fire broke out on a tourist Waterbus in Halle near Suikerkaai, halting canal traffic. Emergency services confirmed no injuries in the early morning blaze.
The boat was wrecked, but no one was hurt.
The boat had not yet begun its daily tours when the fire started in the living room just before nine in the morning. The fire department arrived promptly.
“On site we found a fu
Šefčević: The EU and the USA aim to finalize a satisfactory trade agreement by July 9
Šefčovič noted that negotiations regarding trade policies and tariffs with the U.S. are ong
Iraq Reopens Qaim Border with Syria After Closure
“The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,”
A
Internal Border Controls Dampen Schengen Anniversary
Luxembourg’s minister has pointed out that over 240,000 daily commuters to Luxembourg frequently endure lengthy traffic jams due to
Oil Spill in Antwerp Impacts City Centre Roads and Cyclists
Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A major oil spill in Antwerp, stretching from Groenplaats to the Kaaien, has made roads slippery. Fire brigade spokesperson Jasmien O says cleanup is ongoing; the cause is still unknown.
As VRT News reported, emergency services in Antwerp are handling a major oil spill. The spill has made many streets very slippery and dangerous. The oil starts at Groenplaa
UK Launches National Inquiry into Child Grooming Gangs Following Musk Controversy
Upon reviewing the audit results led by Louise Casey, a House of Lords member, Starmer decided to reverse his stance.
“Based on her examination of the material, Casey concluded that a national inquiry is warranted,” Starmer stated. “I have reviewed every word of her
Leave a Reply