The De Warande outdoor pool in Wetteren will now exclusively admit visitors residing in East Flanders, according to communal authorities. This restriction follows the near-drowning of a 5-year-old child on July 13. The facility is scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 20, under reinforced security measures after remaining closed through Sunday, July 19.
Did You Know? The communal authorities have confirmed that this current period marks the final summer season for the De Warande outdoor pool.
New Security Protocols and Access Controls at De Warande
To manage visitor flow, the facility will implement separate entrances and exits upon reopening. Local police will maintain a permanent presence on-site, and the number of stewards will double from two to four, according to the authorities.
The reservation system is also changing. Access will be split into two distinct windows: a morning slot limited to 500 visitors and an afternoon slot capped at 700 people.
Reasons for the Residency Restriction
Communal authorities stated that existing rules no longer suffice to ensure order and safety. Officials cited a pattern of users ignoring instructions and reported verbal and physical intimidation directed at staff.
The authorities also highlighted security breaches, including individuals climbing fences to enter the facility without paying and general disruptions at the reception area. These behavioral issues, combined with the July 13 incident, prompted the new residency-only policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is allowed to visit the De Warande pool now?
Only visitors who are residents of East Flanders are permitted to enter.
When does the pool reopen and what are the new capacity limits?
The pool reopens on Monday, July 20. The morning slot is limited to 500 visitors, and the afternoon slot is limited to 700 visitors.
Why were the security measures increased?
The decision followed the near-drowning of a 5-year-old child on July 13, as well as reports of staff intimidation, fence-jumping, and ignored safety instructions.
Do you believe residency restrictions are an effective way to manage public safety in community spaces?
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