Belgian coast crowded, but swimming banned

The Belgian coast had its first taste of summer weather yesterday, but visitors to the beaches were surprised to find that swimming was not allowed. Lifeguards, it turns out, were not yet on duty. Due to cost-cutting measures by coastal municipalities, they are not due to arrive until later in the spring.

“Even if we had the money available, we would have a problem with staffing, since we work mainly with job students who are busy with their studies today,” explained Bredene mayor Steve Vandenberghe to VTM News.

West Flanders tourism agency Westtoer was expecting 100,000 visitors to the coast yesterday. There were tailbacks up to two hours long on the E40 westbound motorway after two accidents occurred in the area of Aalst, one involving five vehicles. No-one was injured, but the motorway suffered serious delays until after 11.00.

Meanwhile the arrival of finer weather means a peak in birch tree pollen, one of the main causes of hay fever. The limit of 80 pollen particles per cubic metre of air was reached last week, which means the peak season, normally expected at the end of March, is now upon us.

The birch produces almost one-third of the tree pollen in the atmosphere, according to the Scientific Institute of Public Health, which advises a stay at the coast for those with serious allergies. Coastal air contains much less birch pollen. Check the agency’s allergy website, also available in English, for more tips.

photo courtesy Toerisme Bredene