The North Sea gets deep very quickly, and therefore, children should only swim when accompanied by adults. Only let them go in with water up to their navel. And, for children and adults alike, remember only to swim parallel with the coast, never away from it.
Swimming is forbidden in harbours, at jetties, breakwaters and in the vicinity of fishing stakes.

Air mattresses and inflatable animals call for caution, since they can quickly drift out to sea. It is safest to tether them. If you lose a large inflatable animal or an air mattress, you must contact the police to avoid an unnecessary rescue operation.

Keep an eye on the beach sign

The signs with the beach number have been placed at the base of the dunes or elsewhere where they are visible from the beach. The signs always have a letter and a number.

 

If an accident happens

If a swimming accident – or any other accident – takes place on the beach: Phone ALARM 112

Begin by explaining what has happened and where you are. On most beaches you will find a beach number on a pole. It is important to give this number to the control centre. Stay by the phone until your message has been clearly understood. The police and the rescue service know the position of the beach number, and they will send a rescue team right to the accident.

Note that if you use a cell phone to call ALARM 112, the alarm will not necessarily be routed to the nearest alarm centre. Therefore, it is very important to describe, where the accident has happened.

 

Show consideration on the beach

Other people on the beach can be disturbed by the noise of, for example, motorised vehicles and radios, by kite-flying or litter that has been left behind.

Loose dogs can be a real nuisance, so dogs must always be kept on a lead.