Treading water for a diploma for the very last time, swimming pool De Zeehoek closes

“Sin”, is how the mother of daughter Fien who is swimming today, qualifies the approaching closure of the bath. “History is leaving. And the possibility that your own children will experience what you have experienced here. Disco swimming on Friday evening, for example.”

According to a watching father, a lot will be lost for the village with the disappearance of De Zeehoek. “When you see how many kids are swimming off today… It’s just a shame that this is going away.”

Move to neighboring municipalities

In order to win those swimming certificates for their offspring, many parents are forced to look for an alternative miles away. Because not getting a diploma is not an option. “It’s a very watery environment,” said the same father. “Now you have to move to Medemblik or Andijk. We still have two children who will need diplomas. It is a shame that this is disappearing.”

There is no sign of the falling curtain on the instructors on duty: driven as ever, they ensure that the children, even today, get the best out of themselves. Beneath the surface, however, the emotion is palpable.

“Tonight was a tough night,” says instructor Nanda Knol, who nevertheless wants to keep herself strong. “I’m still doing well for the rest. It’s just a matter of switching the button and focusing on swimming. But I have a good home base that stands behind me and supports me.”

Full booty on the last day

And that support will be necessary because uncertain times are ahead for the staff. Some of them have recently found a replacement job elsewhere, with the result that the remaining instructors suddenly saw the workload increase. “The children come first,” says Knol. “We now have to put our shoulders under it. And we’ll see how further.”

In the end, on the very last swim, the full prize is won: all participating children go home with a diploma.