Where are the supervised swimming areas?

On the map below you will find the various Ostend beaches. The logos indicate whether or not the swimming areas are supervised by lifeguards.
The lifeguards are present daily during the summer months from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm. Swimming in the sea is not allowed outside these hours.

Always follow their guidelines carefully:

  • Only swim in a guarded area between the yellow buoys and the beach flags, between 10:30 am and 6:30 pm.
  • Never go swimming alone. Even experienced swimmers sometimes get into trouble.
  • Stay away from beachheads, breakwaters, piers and other structures. They are very slippery due to algae and seaweed.
  • Parents: keep a close eye on your children, both on the beach and in the water. Put an identification bracelet on your children's wrist. They are available free of charge from the lifeguards and the summer team.
  • At Green Flag: Do not swim in the sea beyond chest depth. At Yellow Flag: Do not go beyond hip depth.
  • Do not leave any waste on the beach.

Do I have to make a reservation for the beach?

During the summer months, a free registration system is used on peak days for the three busiest beaches.

Did you know

  • that you only have to register on peak days?
  • that registering for the beach is always free?
  • that the beaches of Oosteroever and Oostende-Mariakerke are always freely accessible?
  • there is a special beach team to monitor the beach?
  • that it is always decided 3 days in advance whether or not registration is necessary?

Check here if beach registration is required for the next few days

Where can I rent a beach windshield or beachchair?

A beach windshield is the ideal way to define your private zone on the beach and keep your distance from other beach guests. And of course it also stops the sea breeze :-)

If you don't have your own beach windshield or beachchair, or if it's difficult to take one to the beach yourself, then you can rent this at the following places:

Click here

How crowded is it in Ostend at the moment?

The global pressure barometer gives you a live picture of the busy and quiet places in Ostend.

Is my dog allowed on the beach?

Dogs are allowed on the beaches without any restriction from October 1 to March 31. Dogs remain welcome on the beach in April, May, June and September, but only before 10 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m. During the months of July and August dogs are allowed before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

More information & exceptions

Where are there public toilets?

The City of Ostend provides a number of public toilets that are continuously disinfected and cleaned by staff.

Click here for a complete overview