Swim with peace of mind – but stay aware. Lifeguards on Terschelling

Swimming in the North Sea is a refreshing and fun summer activity, especially on Terschelling. But the sea can be unpredictable and dangerous. That’s why the lifeguards of the KNRM are on duty during the summer months to keep beachgoers safe.

In July and August, lifeguards are present daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the beaches of West aan Zee (pole 8), Midsland aan Zee (pole 10) and Formerum aan Zee (pole 11).

How to recognize the safe swimming area?

Each day, lifeguards mark a designated swimming zone with two red-and-yellow flags at the waterline. This area is free of dangerous rip currents and is under active surveillance.

Watch the warning flags at the lifeguard posts:

• Yellow flag – Swimming dangerous (due to wind, waves, or currents)
• Red flag – Swimming prohibited (e.g. during storms or thunder)
• Orange windsock – No inflatables allowed (offshore wind – risk of drifting)

At the lifeguard station, you can go for:

• First aid for minor injuries
• Help with lost children (a flag with a question mark means a child is being searched for or found)
• Information about sea conditions or beach safety

Rip currents: the hidden danger

One of the greatest risks in the sea are rip currents – strong currents that pull swimmers away from shore between sandbanks. They are hard to see and can occur even in calm weather.

Important:

• There are no rip currents in the lifeguard-marked swim zone
• Unsure if it's safe? Ask a lifeguard
• Otherwise, stay in shallow water (knee-deep)

What to do if caught in a rip current?

1. Stay calm
2. Swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current
3. Float and wave for help if you can’t swim back

Tips for safe swimming

• Only go into the sea if you're a confident swimmer
• Never swim alone
• Avoid swimming near bridges, locks or shipping lanes
• Inflatable flotation devices, such as airbeds and swim rings, are not permitted. The use of inflatable flotation devices is dangerous, especially when there is an offshore wind.
• Don’t go deeper than you can stand
• Follow lifeguards’ instructions
• Always check information signs on the beach

In case of emergency

• Speak to a lifeguard immediately
• No lifeguard nearby? Call 112

On Terschelling, we do our best to make your beach day fun and safe. Our well-trained lifeguards know the sea, spot danger early, and act quickly to help.