A day at the beach? Our tips will help you make the most of it. Together, we’ll ensure a fun beach day!
- Swim only where it’s allowed and where lifeguards are on duty.
- Always swim or play with at least two people in the water so you can keep an eye on each other.
- Can’t swim? Always go into the water with someone else, and never deeper than your knees.
- If the wind is blowing toward the sea, leave your floating items (balls, air mattresses, etc.) on the shore.
- Stung by a jellyfish? Rinse the sting with seawater and keep it out of the sun until the itching subsides. If you have health issues, go to the lifeguard station.
- Apply sunscreen to prevent burns: sunburns can be painful and dangerous.
- Dig only shallow holes on the beach and stay out of them. A hole can suddenly collapse and cause suffocation.
- Always keep the path to the lifeguardstation clear so our vehicles and vessels can safely access the beach.
- Always put a (free) 06 wristband on your child. This way, we can reunite you with your child faster if we find them.
- Always listen to the tips and instructions of our lifeguards. They see dangers that you may not notice.
If you see someone in trouble, call 1-1-2 and help will be on the way!
Currents and rip currents
The sea is not a swimming pool: this is clear. One of the major dangers of the sea is the currents that are present. Some of them are caused by the tides: ebb and flow. In Wijk aan Zee, there are almost always two high tides and two low tides per day. This causes the water currents to change throughout the day.
A major danger is the rip current: a current that can carry you out to sea. Often, sandbanks are located off the coast. Between the sandbanks are rip currents, where water flows out to sea (during low tide, ebb) or toward the beach (during high tide, flood). A rip current can flow up to 100 meters into the sea, with speeds of up to 10 kilometers per hour; faster than an Olympic swimmer!
Recognizing a rip current is difficult. Always pay close attention to the warning signs and flags on the beach. If you do get caught in a rip current, let yourself drift and never swim against the current.
Warning flags
On the beach and at our lifeguard stations, we raise different flags. We do this to inform and warn beachgoers. Each flag has its own meaning. Do you know what our flags mean?
 | Red over Yellow Rectangular flag | Lifeguards on duty Indicates that the lifeguard station is open and that qualified lifeguards are on duty. |
 | Red over Red Rectangular double flag | Swimming and bathing prohibited Indicates a swimming ban. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the water are not allowed. People may be fined for violating this rule. |
 | Red Rectangular flag | Do not swim! Very dangerous Indicates serious danger. It is raised when the conditions of the (swimming) water are extremely dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the water are strongly discouraged. |
 | Yellow Rectangular flag | Be cautious while swimming! Dangerous conditions Indicates danger. It is raised when the conditions of the (swimming) water are dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the water are discouraged. Swimmers and bathers should exercise extra caution and remain vigilant. |
 | Orange Wind sock | Be cautious while swimming! Do not use flotation devices. Indicates that it is unsafe to use (inflatable) flotation devices in the water. It is raised during offshore wind conditions. |
 | White with blue questionmark Rectangular flag | Child found Indicates that a child has been found who is missing their parents or guardians. Parents or guardians are requested to report to the lifeguard station immediately. |
 | Rip current flag A beach flag, placed along the waterline in the presence of a rip current, is often used in combination with a warning sign. | Rip current warning Marks the location of a rip current. It can be used to indicate a designated area with hazardous conditions where the (swimming) water is dangerous due to a rip current. Swimming in this area is strongly discouraged. |
Images of flags via NIVZ
Lost your child
On a busy beach day, a child can easily go missing. If you lose your child in the crowd, approach one of our lifeguards for assistance. You can recognize them by their yellow t-shirt, red shorts, and “Reddingsbrigade” printed on their back. Our vehicles and vessels are easily identifiable by their orange color. Our lifeguards are here to help you find a lost child.
Can’t find us on the beach? Visit our lifeguard station or contact us at 0251 – 37 43 35. Our lifeguards will ask you for a description of the missing child.
Here are some tips to prevent losing your child:
- Always keep an eye on (small) children and stay close to them. Pay extra attention near the water and remain within arm’s reach of a child at all times.
- Use a 06 wristband. You can collect one for free at our lifeguard stations.
- Agree on a recognizable meeting point where you’ll reunite if separated, such as our lifeguard station or a beach pavilion.
- If you do lose your child, alert our lifeguards immediately!
- Before heading to the beach, take a photo of your child. This will help our team create a more accurate description if needed.