Clean and accessible water should be part of every city. That is why Amsterdam's decision to join the global Swimmable Cities movement is an important step forward.
On 6 September, ahead of the Amsterdam City Swim, the City of Amsterdam officially signed the Swimmable Cities Charter. By doing so, the Dutch capital joined a growing international network working to make urban waterways clean, safe and accessible for everyone.
Amsterdam now stands alongside Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and Utrecht, as well as international cities including Paris, London and Basel. The movement currently brings together more than 255 organisations across 121 cities worldwide.
A natural step for a city shaped by water
Water is at the heart of Amsterdam's identity. Its canals, rivers and lakes are not only iconic landmarks but also essential assets for public health, recreation and climate resilience.
The city's 2026-2030 coalition agreement includes ambitious goals for urban swimming, improved water quality and greater access to blue spaces. These priorities closely align with the principles of the Swimmable Cities Charter.
As temperatures rise and the city continues to grow, demand for safe and attractive outdoor recreation areas is increasing. Amsterdam is therefore exploring opportunities to improve existing swimming locations and expand access to open water across the city.
Swimming as a life skill
For Amsterdam, swimming is about much more than recreation. It is a fundamental life skill in a country shaped by water.
Sofyan Mbarki, Alderman for Sport, highlighted its importance:
Swimming is one of the most important life skills a person can learn. In a city like Amsterdam, with its many canals and waterways, swimming safely can be vital. I am proud that Amsterdam is now part of the Swimmable Cities movement so that together we can create better places to swim across the city.
The city's ambitions focus not only on physical access to water but also on swimming skills and water safety. This helps children and adults alike gain the confidence needed to enjoy open water safely.
Working together towards a swimmable city
Amsterdam builds on a strong foundation of organisations and initiatives already contributing to cleaner and more accessible urban waters, including World Waternet, Amsterdam City Swim, Bureau Marineterrein and Leisurelands.
By joining Swimmable Cities, the municipality connects local action with an international network of cities, knowledge institutions and community organisations. This creates opportunities to share experiences, learn from others and accelerate progress.
As Swimmable Cities states, a swimmable city is about far more than swimming itself.
A swimmable city is the ultimate measure of a healthy and inclusive urban ecosystem. When a city invests in clean, safe and accessible water for everyone, it invests in both people and nature.
Amsterdam's commitment demonstrates how improving water quality, public health and urban liveability can go hand in hand.
About Swimmable Cities
Swimmable Cities is a global movement that promotes healthier, more resilient and more liveable cities by making urban waterways swimmable again. The movement supports governments, organisations and communities in advancing water quality restoration, public access to water and climate adaptation. More information: www.swimmablecities.org
