A clear rise in attendance in Brussels swimming pools

2017 showed a new evolution and growth in the mission entrusted by the City of Brussels to the non-profit association des Bains de Bruxelles in getting swimmers to their pool.

With 784,783 paid entries, last year the association welcomed a record number of swimmers and participants in the three swimming pools of the City of Brussels.

It has also expanded its activities offered with the arrival of a women’s water polo club at the Neder-Over-Heembeek swimming pool and a synchronized swimming pool at the Center’s swimming pool.

2016 and 2017 aside, 2011 was the last year in which the three swimming pools of the City of Brussels were simultaneously accessible to the public, the Laeken swimming pool having been closed since April 1, 2012 for a thorough renovation.

Some facts:

•  increase in the number of swimmers between 2011 and 2017 with a record for the year 2017,
• appropriation of swimming pools by the inhabitants of the municipality (today more than 2/3 of the private swimmers – 44% in 2011, 68% today),
• appropriation of swimming pools by the adult inhabitants of the municipality (today the majority of private swimmers – 47% in 2011, 54% today).

For Alain Courtois, first alderman of the City of Brussels in charge of sports, this evolution is explained by « a constant improvement of infrastructure to improve swimming comfort, water quality and hygiene in the locker room » . But also thanks to « targeted initiatives to bring more adults and seniors to the pool and a policy of extended schedules, allowing everyone to come swim in the morning and end of the day. »

The Liberal alderman welcomes this trend but does not intend to interrupt the development of projects: « These efforts are justified by the fact that swimming has been part of the ‘natural sports’ of man since its origins, with running and boxing. Eager to always improve the quality of our infrastructure, we are busy installing new showers in Neder-Over-Heembeek. The UV water treatment technology will be installed in Laeken in October 2018, the pool of the Center will undergo a phase Improvement works starting in 2019. These are all initiatives that contribute to making our swimming pools pleasant, safe and respectful of the environment, for the benefit of our fellow citizens. «