In total, lifeguards intervened 114 times at sea, an increase from 99 interventions in 2025. The number of rescues for swimmers in distress is particularly concerning, with 61 interventions this season compared to 40 last year. Poor swimming skills and disregard for instructions are cited as contributing factors. Water sports enthusiasts also required more assistance, with interventions for kitesurfers and wingfoilers rising from 19 to 35, and 16 incidents involving catamarans and sailboats. The rescue service emphasizes the importance of swimming in supervised areas and following lifeguard instructions.
The six first aid posts recorded a total of 2,349 interventions, an increase of nearly 12 percent compared to 2,100 in 2025. Of these, 2,179 were minor incidents and 116 were serious incidents requiring medical intervention. Rescuers and first aid personnel also assisted 54 lost individuals. July and August were the busiest months, with 966 and 957 interventions respectively, attributed to sunny weather, large visitor numbers, and spring tides.
Staffing remained a challenge. With 157 lifeguards and 33 first aid responders (a total of 190 staff), the service was larger than in 2025 (184 staff). However, for the first time, not all lifeguard and first aid posts could be permanently staffed in June due to the examination period for many rescuers and first aid personnel. Two first aid posts were temporarily closed, and the quietest lifeguard post remained closed on weekdays. During weekends, this post was opened to accommodate larger visitor numbers.
The rescue service continues to invest in training and exercises, including refresher courses in resuscitation and training on AED use, boat rescues, and water sports rescues. Cooperation between posts was further practiced. An additional jet ski and a supplementary post supervisor were approved to enhance operational capacity. Beach containers were replaced, but first aid posts remain an area of concern due to aging facilities.
Collaboration with the police, fire department, and water sports clubs proceeded smoothly, facilitated by radio connections and a shared WhatsApp group. The 'First Responder' pilot project by the FPS Public Health yielded positive results, with rescuers arriving at life-threatening situations within an average of two minutes. Knokke-Heist continues to focus on training, cooperation, and renewing equipment and infrastructure, while stressing the importance of safe swimming behavior and respecting the sea.
