You should pay attention to this when you go to a recreational lake with your child

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Guys guys, what a sun-filled summer this is. And so you are going to splash and splash in a recreational lake. But how do you know which places are safe to swim? NU.nl asked Rijkswaterstaat and the Rescue Brigade.

They give the most important tip: always choose an official outdoor swimming spot. And are you in doubt whether the lake near you is ‘official’? Then call the swimming water telephone.

Blue-green algae

The official outdoor swimming areas are monitored by people from the Rescue Brigade. They monitor the swimmers and make sure everything is safe. These lakes are also regularly checked for blue-green algae: small organisms that are in the water and can be toxic, which can make you sick. Cherryl Naarden of Rijkswaterstaat told NU.nl: “Blauwalg can, for example, have a turquoise color, but that is difficult to recognize as a layman.”

Also read: Experts warn: most children drown quickly and without sound

Wristband

If you are going to a lake with your children, the Rescue Brigade recommends meeting a landmark. “An ice cream truck, for example, or a certain tree,” says press officer Elske Hoving. “Or give your child a wristband with his or her name and your telephone number on it: also useful if you lose each other.” If your child is still small, Hoving advises to keep a maximum of an arm’s length away. “And make sure they go up to their knees in the water.”

Sun in the back

If you do lose your child, it is wise to report this to the supervisor as soon as possible. A lost child usually walks away first with the sun at his back. Girls with long hair often walk against the wind.

Where you can swim comfortably (and safely)? We have listed the finest lakes and ponds in the Netherlands.

Source: NU.nl