New flags on Holland's beaches: Security for NRW vacationers!

New flags on Holland's beaches: Security for NRW vacationers!

Zandvoort, Niederlande - Vacation in Holland is very popular, especially among people from North Rhine-Westphalia. The neighboring country not only offers an attractive backdrop for short trips, but also a variety of culinary specialties such as meatballs and french fries specialty, which attract both locals and tourists. In addition, the coast with its beaches is one of the main attraction for visitors. In order to increase the safety of the bathers, the Dutch coastline will introduce a new flag system by summer 2025, which can also be of great importance for vacationers from NRW

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The new flag system, such as Derwesten.de is equipped with additional symbols that are intended to replace the lost clarity of the previous flags. An investigation by the Vrije Universityitait Amsterdam has shown that many bathers, especially from Germany, have often misunderstood the old flags. The aim of this innovation is to avoid confusion and thus increase the safety of the bathers.

The importance of the new flags

The new flags are provided with clear symbols and descriptions in English. Information boards along the beaches explain the various flags and their meanings in Dutch, German and English. The most important flags and their meanings include:

• lifeguard flag : signals an occupied lifeguard ward and a secure area.
• red flag : warns of serious danger; Swimming and swimming is discouraged.
• yellow flag : indicates at risk; Swimming and other water activities are not recommended.
• orange flag (windsack): warning of ingredient wind; Use of swimming aids is unsure.
• purple flag : signals water pollution or dangerous sea animals.
• white flag with a blue question mark : A child was found that his parents missed.
• black and white checked flag : water sports is allowed.
• green flag : free trip to swimming.
• blue flag : environmental seal for particularly clean beaches; No bathing signal.
• black and white flags : Mark water sports zones for surfers.

The new flags can already be seen on many beaches in Zeeland, Zandvoort and on Texel. By summer 2027 at the latest, all coastal towns in the Netherlands are said to have implemented the new security system. The flag system will not only provide more clarity, but could also provide vital information in an emergency that holidaymakers should consider

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The visitors are urgently asked to observe the new flags carefully and, if in doubt, consult the lifeguards to ensure that they move in the corresponding danger zone.