Are you staying at a holiday park in Belgium this summer, or planning to go swimming at a subtropical pool? Then don't forget to pack a tight-fitting swimsuit. More and more Belgian swimming pools and holiday parks do not allow loose swim shorts. Whether you're a fan of sporty swim briefs or prefer to wear cool, tight-fitting swim trunks: as long as they fit snugly, you're all set.
But why is that? And what exactly are the rules at popular holiday parks such as Center Parcs, Sunparks or Landal? We've put everything together for you.
Why are tight-fitting swimsuits mandatory?
It's not a matter of fashion, but a combination of hygiene and safety. Here's why:
1. More hygienic swimming
Loose swim shorts are often worn outside the pool too - at the campsite, on the beach or simply at breakfast. As a result, sweat, sand, sunscreen or other dirt can easily get trapped in them. If you take those shorts into the pool, you also take that dirt into the water. And of course, that's not very hygienic.
Tight-fitting swim briefs or tight-fitting swim trunks are usually only worn for swimming. The fabric is smooth, fits closely and holds on to less dirt. That keeps the water cleaner for everyone.
2. More safety in the pool
On slides and rapids, it's important that your swimwear stays securely in place. Loose shorts can slip down or get caught somewhere, which can be dangerous. Tight-fitting swim trunks stay neatly in place - and prevent you from ending up half-naked at an awkward moment. 😉
Swimwear rules at popular Belgian holiday parks
Many holiday parks have their own house rules when it comes to swimwear. Here's a handy overview:
Parks where tight-fitting swimwear is mandatory
At these holiday parks, wearing tight-fitting swimwear, swim briefs or swim trunks made from swimsuit fabric (such as lycra) is mandatory. Loose shorts or swim trunks that fall below the knee are not allowed:
- Sunparks De Haan aan Zee
- Sunparks Oostduinkerke aan Zee
- Center Parcs Erperheide
- Center Parcs De Vossemeren
The rules are clear: only close-fitting swimwear is allowed. So choose swim briefs or swim trunks if you want to be sure you'll be allowed into the pool.
Parks where the rules are not 100% clear
These parks do not provide specific information about swimwear on their websites, but it is also recommended that you wear tight-fitting swimwear here. In many places, that is the standard.
- Landal Village l'Eau d'Heure
- Landal Mooi Zutendaal
- Holiday park Molenheide
- Parc Les Etoiles
@goedkopezwembroeken
Hans's tip: Don't take any risks and simply pack tight-fitting swim briefs or swim trunks. Better to be prepared than left standing on the side in your clothes.
In summary:
- In many Belgian swimming pools and holiday parks, tight-fitting swimwear is mandatory
- This is for hygiene and safety reasons
- Choose swim briefs or tight-fitting swim trunks made from lycra or swimsuit fabric
- Not sure? Always bring close-fitting swimwear with you - then you'll be fine!
Going to another country? Check out the swimwear rules abroad, or read about the rules in France and Italy.
