From Friday you can queue up in the center of Knokke. There are major sporting events and it is getting hot. Last year, on May 1, 200,000 people descended on the coast to cool off. Cathy Coudyser, mayor of Knokke-Heist: “It mainly depends on the temperatures. As long as we have pleasant weather up to 25 degrees, we don’t have a crowd problem. It is only when we go to temperatures of 30 degrees that, in addition to the overnight tourists and second-home owners, many people from the major cities come to cool down that we really have a peak in visitors.”
Traffic guidance
The fact that the coast is overwhelmed depends on the heat inland. Everyone seems ready for this Friday. Knokke-Heist wants to provide traffic guidance with additional signs. “This means that we have LED signs at the exits that indicate where the underground car parks are and where the lesser-known public car parks are.”
Rescuers are ready
They are borrowing the signs for this Friday, but the tender for a new traffic management plan from September is underway. They are done with the rescuers. Nieuwpoort and Knokke already have lifeguards on the beach on Friday. Dries Hautekiet, chief rescuer Knokke-Heist: “People are coming out of hibernation and are happy that they can get back into the water for the first time. But no one should forget that the water is only 13 degrees. We advise everyone to be sensible.”
The catering industry is also prepared
The catering industry does not fear being overwhelmed. They are prepared and call May 1 of last year truly exceptional. Barbara Hancart, manager of Beach Bar Knokke Strand: “If they have really nice weather, we know we have to be ready. It is difficult to find job students on May 1, because they are studying. I have been working on it for a long time. They have a great day for Friday, so we are prepared. All orders have been placed. Now let’s hope for really nice weather.”
