Antwerp’s popular open-water swimming zone, ’t ZwemDok, will reopen this weekend at the Bonapartedok beside the Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS), marking the start of another summer season after attracting thousands of visitors in recent years. From 13 June until the end of August, both recreational and fitness swimmers will once again be able to take a free dip in the historic dock every weekend, provided they reserve a time slot in advance.
Following the success of previous editions, the city and operator Sportoase have introduced a series of improvements aimed at enhancing comfort, accessibility and safety. The partners have also agreed to continue their collaboration for another four years, securing the future of the project until at least 2029.
What began in 2024 as a pilot initiative featuring six special swimming days has quickly evolved into a permanent fixture of Antwerp’s summer calendar. Combining swimming in a unique urban setting with a carefully managed and supervised environment, ’t ZwemDok has become one of the city’s most distinctive recreational attractions.
The swimming area recently received official recognition from the Flemish Government as an open swimming facility with lifeguard supervision. The designation confirms the quality of the water, organisation and safety procedures, providing an additional guarantee for visitors.
Fourth outdoor swimming location in Antwerp
With the reopening of ’t ZwemDok, Antwerp now offers four outdoor locations where residents can cool off during the summer months, alongside the outdoor pool at De Molen, the swimming pond at Boekenberg and the outdoor facilities at Sportoase Groot Schijn.
The swimming zone measures 50 by 35 metres and includes three 50-metre lanes for dedicated lap swimmers, as well as a spacious area for recreational use. Due to the depth of the water, which ranges from 4.5 to 6 metres, the facility is open to anyone aged 12 and over who is able to swim. Lifeguards supervise the area at all times.
As in previous years, visitors are required to reserve a time slot through an online booking system. Each account can reserve a maximum of two places per session. Swimming sessions last 30 minutes.
The official opening will take place on Saturday at noon, when Antwerp Sports Alderman Stijn De Rooster (N-VA) is scheduled to perform the ceremonial first dive.
More comfort and better accessibility
Several infrastructure upgrades have been carried out ahead of the new season. Swimmers will benefit from a longer jetty, providing additional space, while a new floating rest island in the middle of the swimming area will offer a place to pause and recover during a swim.
Accessibility has also been improved. A mobile lift will help visitors with reduced mobility move more easily between the water and the jetty. Part of these improvements was financed through €100,000 in subsidies from the Flemish government.
A limited number of lockers and changing facilities are available in one of the MAS pavilions. However, visitors are still advised to arrive already wearing their swimwear, as was recommended during previous editions.
Flexible approach to opening hours
Visitor data from last year showed that attendance tended to decline during later afternoon hours, particularly on cooler days. As a result, standard opening hours have been adjusted.
Throughout the season, ’t ZwemDok will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 17:30. At the same time, organisers are adopting a more flexible approach. During periods of hot weather, opening hours may be extended, while additional opening days could also be introduced if conditions are favourable.
Any extra swimming opportunities will be announced through Sporting A’s website, social media channels, mailing list and WhatsApp channel.
Water quality under close supervision
Water quality remains a key priority for the project. The city service Stadshaven, which manages Antwerp’s six historic docks, continuously monitors conditions in the water, while lifeguards carry out regular visual inspections.
The official recognition as an open swimming facility also means that the Flemish Environment Agency will take weekly water samples for laboratory testing. Should water quality fail to meet required standards, the swimming zone will be closed temporarily as a precaution.
The latest test results are displayed at the entrance to ’t ZwemDok and are also publicly available online.
More activities planned on the water
Sporting A is also exploring opportunities to expand the range of activities offered at ’t ZwemDok outside regular public swimming hours.
Potential programmes include open-water swimming lessons, club training sessions, aquafitness and other aquatic sports classes. Organisers are also considering more creative activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and paddle sports. A call for clubs, instructors and organisations interested in using the facility has already been launched.
Long-term partnership with Sportoase
Sportoase will once again be responsible for operating the swimming zone this year. The newly signed four-year agreement gives both partners greater certainty to continue investing in quality, facilities and visitor experience over the longer term.
Sports Alderman Stijn De Rooster said: “’t ZwemDok is back. Last year around 12,000 visitors discovered this new attraction and enjoyed a refreshing, safe and enjoyable swim in a vibrant and inspiring setting. With significant infrastructure upgrades and extra attention to atmosphere and visitor experience, we want to make it even harder to resist the appeal of ’t ZwemDok and encourage people to extend their visit in the city after their swim. Entrusting the operation of ’t ZwemDok to Sportoase for four years is recognition of the professionalism and expertise with which our sports and health partner managed this unique swimming experience in 2025. The long-term agreement also demonstrates a clear commitment to making ’t ZwemDok one of the pillars of Antwerp’s outdoor summer season.”
Michaël Schouwaerts, chief executive of Sportoase Group, added: “With ’t ZwemDok, we bring together sport, relaxation and experience in a unique location in Antwerp, while always starting from one fundamental principle: a safe and high-quality swimming environment. As Sportoase, we want people to enjoy water and physical activity in an accessible way, including outdoors and in the heart of the city. We thank Sporting A for its confidence and see this long-term partnership as recognition of our expertise and shared ambition. Together we will continue investing in safety, comfort and visitor experience to make ’t ZwemDok a permanent summer destination in Antwerp.”
Practical information
’t ZwemDok is located at Nieuwpoortkaai in Antwerp and will be open from Saturday 13 June until the end of August. Regular opening hours are every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 17:30, although extended hours and additional opening days may be added during periods of favourable weather.
Admission is free for anyone aged 12 and over who can swim, but advance reservation of a time slot is mandatory. Each swimming session lasts 30 minutes. More information, reservations and subscription options for updates are available through Sporting A.
