Nearly 9 out of 10 rescuers pass a swimming test at sea

About 90 rescuers took their test at sea this morning. They have to swim 100 meters back and forth and then the same route again, but on their backs and with wrists out of the water. The final test for 17 and 18-year-olds who want to become a full-fledged coastal rescuer.

1400 rescuers

“We cannot organize the seaweed test in the winter months. So the candidates who pass the practical exams in the swimming pool receive a certificate that allows them to be on the beach for a year, within the year they have to do the seawem test,” says program director Nick Goethals .

80 of the 91 rescuers have already passed today, the others will be given a second chance in August. Every season there are 1400 lifeguards at sea. In July and August there are 450 per day.