With rising temperatures, many Dutch residents are seeking ways to cool off in the country’s waterways, often in areas where swimming is prohibited. Currently, swimming is illegal in shipping lanes, canals, and near infrastructure like bridges and harbors due to safety concerns and potential fines of 170 euros. However, several municipalities, including Voorburg, are now investigating the possibility of designating certain restricted areas as safe swimming zones. The province of South Holland has passed a motion to assess the feasibility of improving safety for swimmers without compromising navigation or water quality. This initiative is driven by a lack of accessible cooling spots in increasingly urbanized areas. Successful implementations, like the Costa del Spui beach, demonstrate that modifying waterways – such as extending breakwaters and installing safety barriers – can mitigate risks. The Vliet canal remains off-limits for swimming this summer, but provincial officials hope to change that next year to accommodate the growing local population.