Swimming water

From 1 May to 1 October, we monitor the water quality of the swimming spots in our region. The water authority manages 17 official swimming spots.

Swim safe

We advise you to only swim in areas designated as official swimming spots. The water at these locations is tested regularly for bacteria.  

  • Before you go swimming, go towww.zwemwater.nl
  • It will show you whether the water at the official spots is clean enough for swimming. 

Zwemwater App

Download the Zwemwater app with more than 800 outdoor swimming spots.

Children swimming in Piccardthof Lake

Tips for swimming in open water

  • Take a shower immediately after swimming.
  • Do not swim in areas with boats.
  • Do not swim near a suction dredger. This is a vessel that sucks sand from the bottom.
  • Do not swim near a treatment plant.
  • Do not swim in murky water.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Beware of cold currents.

Feeling unwell after swimming

Do you feel unwell after swimming in open water? If so, please consult your doctor or the local health authority (GGD).

  • Do you think the water at a swimming spot is dirty? Did you become ill from swimming in the water? If so, please contact the water authority.
  • Do you think the facilities at a swimming spot are dirty or unsafe? For example, the showers, playground equipment, or the rubbish bins? If you do, please report this to the manager of the swimming spot. If that doesn't work, contact the province where the swimming spot is located.

Official swimming spots

  • Akkerhoeve, Niebert (Province of Groningen)
  • Hoornseplas, Groningen (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer Oostmahorn (Province of Friesland)
  • Lauwersmeer, Brilduiker beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, kleine Zwaan (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, Lepelaar beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, Meerkoet beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, Zeearend beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lettelberterplas, Lettelbert (Province of Groningen)
  • Paterswoldsemeer de Lijte, Haren (Province of Groningen)
  • Kardinge recreational lake, Groningen (Province of Groningen)
  • Reitdiep, Garnwerd (Province of Groningen)
  • Ronostrand, Een (Province of Drenthe)
  • Ruskenveen, Groningen (Province of Groningen)
  • Groningen City Beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Strandheem, Opende (Province of Groningen)
  • Suyderoogh, Lauwersoog (Province of Groningen)

Meerschap Paterswolde

The measurement results for the Hoornseplas and Paterswoldsemeer (de Lijte) can be viewed on the website of the

Not an official swimming spot?

You would like to swim in open water, but it is not an official swimming spot. We do not monitor the water when it is not an official swimming spot. You can still swim there, but you run a greater risk of infection from certain bacteria or blue-green algae in the water. Therefore, we advise against swimming there.

What are blue-green algae?

When it is really warm, blue-green algae can develop. Humans and animals can become ill if they come into contact with them. Before you go swimming, check zwemwater.nl.