Ban on long-distance swimming in the pond of Ekeren

Dear triathlete – long-distance swimmer,

You will receive this information because you have a valid permit to practice your sport in Muisbroek. We would like to keep you informed of recent developments that also have an impact on you.

Swimming ban on the domain

As you know, there is a general ban on swimming in the domain. Depending on the wind that is playing over the surface of the water, very cold water is often pushed out of the deep part of the well to the surface. A recreational swimmer without thermal insulation and buoyancy runs a real risk here of thermal shock with potentially fatal consequences. That is why we have imposed conditions on your current permit.

However, the police have started to apply the letter of the law in recent weeks: a total ban on swimming in the Pond of Ekeren, including long-distance swimming.

Rumors claim that AVOS's (environmental) permit is not valid. Nothing is less true; our license for the practice of diving is 100% valid.

A bit of history.

A few years ago, AVOS has been approached by the "Sportdienst" to issue permits to long-distance swimmers. Although this was prohibited by the current environmental permit, a policy of tolerance was set out under conditions for a limited number of LAZ / Triathlon clubs, namely Wommelgem Endurance, Lukebiker Triathlon Team, Trinity Triathlon Team. The members of these clubs could then obtain permits through their club secretariat.

In February 2020, the Sportdienst asked us not to issue further permits for LAZ, given the factual illegality of those permits for LAZ.

The covid-19 crisis

Now we have to note that since the Covid-19 crisis and the reopening of the pond of Ekeren for diving in May, a lot of LAZ want to practice their sport in the pond, which we welcome.

You have therefore acted as responsible sportsmen and women and have followed our wishes/appointments as closely as possible.

Since police checks have been tightened and the general ban on swimming has been maintained, we are criticized for not having notified every LAZ with a valid permit. Here's why:

• During the inspections in May/June, a number of permits were issued to LAZ, by mistake. (Our auditors were unable to verify whether the requestor was a diver or LAZ, who were in line at that time and purchased a permit.)
• Given that a lot of LAZ has also purchased a permit through our website, and that - whether or not consciously - have left incorrect information, we were unable to trace you individually and only the secretariats of the recognized LAZ/triathlon clubs have been written about the ban on swimming.

Final settlement of long-distance swimming (LAZ)

The sports service of the City of Antwerp is currently working on a regulation to allow long-distance swimming in the pond of Ekeren. This is done in consultation with AVOS as a concessionaire. However, the final regulation can only enter into force if our new Vlarem II authorization is in order and if a number of practical aspects of the scheme have been specifically developed. We expect that some will be ready for the season of 2021.

As soon as we get more information about this, we will contact you.

Extending the validity of the permit.

As compensation for you, sportsmen, who now see the open water swimming season potentially thwarted, we will extend the valid permit for 1 year.

Those who are unable to live with this can receive a refund of 75% of the purchase price on a simple request and with their permit number. Members of the recognized clubs are asked to do this through their club secretariat.

You can send your request to vergunningen@avos.be .

Thank you in advance for your understanding, so that we can bridge this tedious period.

The board AVOS