There were a record-breaking 475,000 overnight stays on the Belgian coast this weekend thanks to the hot weather and blazing sunshine.
The figure represents peak performance this summer season. Most seaside hotels reached 95% occupancy rates according to data published by the tourism office Westtoer.
On top of overnight stays, the weekend saw 360,000 day tourists (165,000 on Saturday and 195,000 on Sunday). Westtoer predicts rising temperatures on Monday will entice a further 150,000 visitors to the region.
The influx of visitors to the coast was anticipated beforehand. Railway operator SNCB arranged 22 extra trains to Blankenberge and Ostend to cope with demand and eight additional trains are running on Monday and Tuesday.
Lifeguards were kept busy over the weekend, with 124 incidents of children getting lost before 18:00 on Sunday.
There has been a startling rise in similar cases this year. 482 individuals got lost in July compared to 225 the previous year. Coastal rescue service IKWV puts this down to high crowd density on the beach.
Blankenberge on Sunday 11 August 2024. Credit: Belga / Maaike Tijssens
Hottest day of the year
Hot weather is another factor to keep an eye on. Monday is the hottest day of the year so far, hitting 34°C in several regions across Belgium.
The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued orange weather warnings in West and East Flanders – including the coast– and Hainaut in Wallonia. The rest of the country is on code yellow and both warnings will stay in place until Tuesday night.
People in code orange zones are advised to drink water regularly, wear light clothing, stay in cool indoor areas and keep doors and windows closed.
Westtoer says there have only been a few heat-related issues on the beach so far. The office also warns that lifeguard duties finish up at 18:30 every evening and swimming after this time is "not without risk. Please avoid putting yourself or others in dangerous situations."
