The Blaarmeesen beach, popular among swimmers and sunbathers in the summer, has opened up for the swimming season, this year, with more measures than usual.
Ghent's Blaarmeersen announced that, following a few weeks of delay due to the cold and rainy weather, the swimming season would start this weekend – Saturday 20 May. It is inviting people to "discover all its activities for families and athletes," but " in a pleasant atmosphere."
This year, the city is taking measures to put an end to a series of summers full of unrest and fights in and around the recreation area by "keeping out troublemakers," while it will work to keep the occupation under control so that it does not become too crowded.
Gated area
Its approach to "create a safe environment for all visitors" includes setting up one large fences over a length of 700 metres around the beach and swimming area, a controversial decision which was reached after months of discussions regarding its set-up. A similar, temporary system was set up last summer following several fights.
Now, the structure has become permanent, at a cost of €600,000. The 2.5-metre-high fence can be closed in seven places around the beach and swimming area meaning there is one central entrance and exit so everyone can be screened. The system will be tried out for four seasons, after which it will be evaluated.
The fence will only close when the lifeguards are working, meaning at all other times — early in the morning, late at night, and in the months when the beach is closed — the fence will be open. Cameras will also be used to follow up on any incidents should they still occur.
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Only Ghent residents (who can enter for free without reservation) or people from other municipalities who make reservations can enter the domain, and all people have to show their e-ID cards to enter the gated section. The approach will apply until mid-September.
However, as for many the weather is still not warm enough to spend a whole day in bathing suits, it is unlikely there will be a rush to the beach this weekend. The maximum capacity of the bathing area has been capped at 4,500 visitors, which is usually only reached on the warmest summer days.
