Blankenberge

To maintain the healthy beach environment, it is best to avoid food plastic in favor of biodegradable materials. Use trash cans, separate waste if possible, or pick up litter during your stay. We also do not recommend taking shells or sand from the beach in order to protect it from erosion. Do not disperse cigarette butts in the sand as they contain plastic. We advise against feeding wild animals, including seagulls, as this negatively affects their health. The use of soap and shampoo in showers is also harmful to the environment. There are sunscreens that can pollute the sea, please wear mineral sun protection.

Children must be under the constant supervision of parents or responsible persons in or near water. Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear life jackets. It’s safer to swim in a lifeguarded area: obey the warning flags of the lifeguards and never swim when the RED flag is flying. Check conditions before entering the water, watch and prepare for other people’s activities, such as boating or fishing. Swimming behind buoys, in stormy weather, in areas of strong surf and strong currents and whirlpools can be dangerous. Avoid swimming or diving in unfamiliar places as hidden rocks or shallow waters can cause serious injury or death. It is strongly recommended against swimming near passing ships or hanging on to boats, and climbing on buoys. Sailing far from the coast on inflatable boats and swimming in secluded remote bays, near rocks and in unknown areas can be extremely dangerous. Try not to enter the water immediately after eating or drinking alcohol. Regardless of your age or level of swimming skills, avoid swimming alone. Observe your condition in the water and try not to overcool. Remember to put on sunscreen, wear a hat, or sit in the shade so you don't get sunstroke. To increase your awareness, review the meanings of the beach safety flags: Red over yellow flag is for swimming area that is safe with lifeguard supervision. Green flag means it is safe to swim. The water is calm and there is no particular danger. Yellow flag warns that the swimming is dangerous. Do not enter the water alone and do not leave children in the water unsupervised. Red flag means no swimming. There is a danger of moderate surf and currents. Red flag over red flag means entering the water is forbidden. There is a high surf or strong current. Purple flag warns that dangerous marine life are present in the water e.g. jellyfish, stingrays etc. Brown flag means there is a danger of pollution with mud, suspension or dangerous substances. Black and white (or quartered) flag is designated for surfing area, no swimming. Blue over white flag means diving in progress. Yellow flag with black ball warns that watercraft use and surfing are prohibited.

We kindly ask you to be polite and keep your distance from other visitors, also try not to raise your voice or listen to loud music. Remember that playing beach games such as volleyball and football should not bother others. Consider the wind direction before spraying an aerosol or shaking out your towel. Smoking is harmful to the health of others, so use designated smoking areas. Not everyone loves dogs so it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to keep your pets under control at all times. If you or your children feel the need to visit the toilet, do so instead of peeing in the sea. Comply with local laws regarding barbecues or campfires and free camping. Please take all your belongings with you before leaving the beach. When going outside the beach, remember to wear clothes over swimwear. If you prefer to go topless in public, check out the local laws.