Category: News
Training to be a swimming teacher is well underwayThe training to become a swimming instructor at Alkmaar Sport is entering its next phase. Participants started directly with a combination of lessons and shadowing on poolside. Now that the theory part has been completed, the practical training is being further expanded, with personalised learning pathways and bespoke practical hours leading towards the practical exam in accordance with NRZ guidelines. With this training programme, Alkmaar Sport is making a sustainable investment in new swimming professionals.
Learning with the bath as a classroom
The training programme is designed as a practical route to the profession of swimming instructor. Theory and practice run in parallel: participants learn the basics, apply them directly in the workplace and build up their skills further step by step. A variety of working methods and plenty of case studies are used, ensuring that knowledge is continuously linked to situations you encounter as a lifeguard and swimming teacher.
Trainer Sabrina Miedema sees the real strength of the approach in the partnership with Alkmaar Sport. “The great thing is that we are really establishing and coordinating this together with Alkmaar Sport. We want the training to align with the way Alkmaar Sport and Holland Sport operate. That is why we are focusing on a warm welcome, short communication lines and properly preparing placement supervisors, so that everyone speaks the same language.
Participants in this private training pathway are very motivated. “People choose this very purposefully, often as a career switch. They are genuinely curious, dare to name uncertainties and set the bar high. That calls for a step-by-step approach, because it is a profession that really involves a great deal.”
From childcare to swimming lessons and supervision
One of the participants is Katja, who combines her training with her work in childcare. “In the photo, you can see how I keep track of the children's progress in the swimming pool, in the pupil tracking system,” Katja explains. A component that shows how structured the work in and around swimming lessons is.
Her interest in the profession had existed for some time. “A female friend of mine did the training a few years ago. At the time, I already thought it looked really nice. When I heard that the training was starting again, I signed up straight away. I had an interview quickly and things immediately started rolling.”
Meanwhile, Katja has completed the theory part and will be working on her placement hours and practical components over the coming months. “In March I have lifesaving, and in addition I'm doing a placement twice a week. That is easy to combine with my work in childcare.” What motivates her is the combination of teaching and supervision. “I really enjoy working with children. Especially teaching children, and afterwards I also want to study further for aqua fitness classes. Then I can combine being a lifeguard, teaching and sports. That makes it varied and never boring.”
She finds the training course intensive, but manageable. “You certainly have to study at home, but I find that quite doable. I certainly have no regrets. I’ve always had the urge, so it’s great that I can learn this in this way now.”
Sustainable training, with a focus on mentoring
With this training course, Alkmaar Sport and Sabrina Miedema are working on a sustainable approach to training and inducting new staff. Not only training participants, but also strengthening the prerequisites someone needs to learn the profession well. According to Miedema, that is precisely why the intensive collaboration is important: “You can see that participants from different fields of work bring their own experience. That makes the practical lessons and case studies extra rich, and you see them challenging themselves.”
The coming months will be dedicated to further practical development: continuing to learn and develop on the placement, carrying out practical assignments, and working towards the exams. This will help the group grow towards being employable at the swimming pool, both as a lifeguard and as a swimming instructor.
Would you like to enrol or find out more about the swimming teacher training at Alkmaar Sport? A new training group starts in September. Take a look at www.alkmaarsport.nl/zwemonderwijzer for further information.
From Saturday 21 February until Sunday 1 March it is the half-term holiday and swimming pool Hoornse Vaart in Alkmaar is celebrating this with a packed programme. Recreational swimmers can benefit from extended opening hours, there is a varied aquafitness programme, free entertainment every day, an Experience Center for the little ones and a 15-metre-long obstacle course in the 50-metre pool every afternoon. In addition, there are extra swimming lessons during the holiday period. The full programme and all details can be found at www.hoornsevaart.nl/vakantie.
Mermaid Run obstacle course in the 50-metre pool
For children (and secretly for enthusiastic parents too) there is a challenge waiting every afternoon: the 15-metre-long Mermaid Run in the 50-metre pool. Climbing, scrambling, sliding and above all, lots of laughs. As if that wasn't enough, there is daily free entertainment with water games. You can join in the afternoon and there are great prizes to be won.
New attractions: time for testing!
During recreational swimming and on holiday, two brand-new water attractions are also waiting to be discovered. The new Bucketgame is designed for quick reflexes: hit the illuminated buttons as fast as possible and make a bucket of water fall on your opponent. A nice detail: the design matches the style of the (refurbished) swimming pool. The Wave Pool also has a new crowd-puller: the Canoe Tumble Bucket. Expect a huge splash, lots of screaming, plenty of laughter and a lot of “let's go again”.
Extra swimming lessons during the holidays
For children who want to catch up or clock up some extra hours, Alkmaar Sport is organising extra swimming lessons during the spring half-term at De Hout swimming pool. Ideal for those who want to gain just that little bit of extra confidence or technique. More information about the holiday swimming lessons can be found via www.hoornsevaart.nl/vakantie-zwemlessen.
Outdoorpark Alkmaar is opening the outdoor season on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with an adventurous day during the half-term holiday. For €7.50, visitors can enjoy unlimited climbing on all obstacles in the park from 10:00 to 13:00, and with the same ticket they also get access to assault courses and inflatables in the sports hall of the Hoornse Vaart sports complex from 12:00 to 16:00. In addition, there is a guided introduction to archery in the morning from 10:30 to 11:00. Anyone who wants to can finish off the day with a swim at Hoornse Vaart swimming pool for €2. On this day, the pool will also feature extra swimming fun with free entertainment, a 15-metre-long obstacle course and an Experience Centre. Tickets and more information can be found at www.outdoorparkalkmaar.nl/opening2026.
Start outside, continue inside, finish wet
The season opening has been designed as a day on which visitors can easily keep the momentum going: first into the climbing park and then heading indoors for extra action. “We want you to really experience a holiday adventure here, without having to choose,” says Tom Leering, coordinator at Outdoorpark Alkmaar. “You start outdoors with climbing and archery, and if it rains that's no deal-breaker: a super cool obstacle course is waiting inside the sports complex. And getting muddy or wet doesn't matter, of course; that's just part of playing outside. Anyone who still has energy left after that can finish off the day in the swimming pool.”
Here is everything there is to do on 25 February
With the €7.50 ticket, visitors can enjoy unlimited free climbing at Outdoorpark Alkmaar between 10:00 and 13:00. Between 10:30 and 11:00, there is an accessible introduction to archery at the park under supervision. The same ticket provides access from 12:00 to 16:00 to the sports hall of the Hoornse Vaart sports complex, where bouncy castles and obstacle courses are set up for jumping, running and scrambling. For an extra €2, there is also recreational swimming at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool from 13:00 to 17:00, featuring a 15-metre-long obstacle course in the water, free entertainment and an introduction to mermaid swimming from 15:00 to 15:45.
Special offer for out-of-school clubs
After-school care providers can make use of Outdoorpark Alkmaar and the bouncy castles and obstacle courses in the sports hall for €5 per child (minimum of 8 children). Tickets and more information can be found at www.outdoorparkalkmaar.nl/opening2026.
At Alkmaar Sport, we regularly surprise our Sports Advantage subscription holders with unique experiences and extra benefits. For March, we have something special in store: an exclusive opportunity to give your swimming technique a significant boost.
Work on your technique
On Sunday 15 March, the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool is organising a free video analysis of swimming technique specifically for season ticket holders. A great opportunity to work purposefully on more efficient and technically better swimming. Between 09:00 and 12:00, there will be three time slots in which participants will receive personal feedback based on video recordings. The analysis helps to identify concrete areas for improvement and apply them directly in the water.
Jelle de Boer from Swim Performance
The technical day is led by Jelle de Boer of Swim Performance. With his years of experience as a professional swimming coach, he has guided hundreds of swimmers, from elite athletes and triathletes to beginner swimmers looking to improve their front crawl. Thanks to his clear explanations and practical tips, the feedback is immediately applicable.
During this morning, a special technique lane has been set up in the 50-metre pool. While you swim, recordings will be made, which will be viewed and discussed together. Based on these, you will receive personal points of focus to improve your swimming technique.
Personal feedback
As a participant, you will not only receive personal feedback in this activity, but also the opportunity to have your progress tested for free by taking part in Swim Performance's group training sessions. There is space for a maximum of eight Sport Advantage Subscription holders per time slot.
Don’t have a subscription yet? Get one now!
Aren't you already a proud owner of our Sports Advantage Subscription? Don't wait any longer and enjoy affordable swimming and ice skating, along with monthly surprises that make exercising even more fun. Purchase your subscription today and become part of our sporting community! You can find more information about the Sports Advantage Subscription on our website.
Source: Municipality of Alkmaar
With the ceremonial unveiling of the construction sign at the Hoornse Vaart Sports Complex, the next phase of the construction project was set in motion today. Prior to the unveiling, speeches were given by Roelof Wind of Wind Design + Build and the Alderman for Sports, Christiaan Peetoom. Afterwards, both signed the contract for the realisation of the project. The official moment was well attended and was witnessed by local residents, sports clubs, educational institutions and councillors.
Presentation
Following the unveiling, guests in the DAW building were able to view the presentation of the designs for the new Sportcomplex Hoornse Vaart. The project is now entering the phase in which the preliminary design will be further developed into a final design. The final design will be ready in the autumn so that construction can start in January 2027. By the end of 2028 / early 2029, all indoor swimming pools and supporting spaces will be completed, ensuring all swimmers find their place in the new facility.
Circular demolition
When the old swimming pool is demolished circularly, the spaces for indoor sports will be created there. These are 2 sports halls, 1 of which is to replace the current hall and 1 for the European School, which is also suitable for hire in the evening hours, the health centre (fitness) and the club rooms for Alkmaar Guardians and Orca. The entire project will be completed in the 2e quarter of 2030. Good news for athletes, as the current sports complex will remain open during construction.
The new complex will soon accommodate swimming sports, sports halls, fitness facilities, a mirrored hall, hospitality venues, club rooms and supporting functions, in conjunction with the existing Outdoor Park.
Project page
There is a QR code on the construction sign, which links to the special project page on the council's website Hoornse Vaart Sports Complex project. All information regarding the project and the preliminary designs can be found there.
Cabinet Member for Sport, Christiaan Peetoom:
I am a proud alderman that the signatures have been put down today and that the Hoornse Vaart Sports Complex is really going to happen. We are now entering the next phase with the aim of having a fantastic, future-proof new sports complex for many sporting users by 2030.
Roelof Wind of Wind Design + Build and Sports Councillor Christiaan Peetoom (Photo: Ed van de Pol)
The bag, the towels and a first pair of swimming trunks
I still remember packing the bag that morning and quickly checking whether I had everything: two towels, a spare babygrow, swim nappy, dummy. And his little swimming trunks, which he would be wearing for the first time that day. Blue with white stripes. Parent and baby swimming sounds relaxed, but with a four-month-old baby, even something as simple as that still feels like a bit of an expedition. With Sef in my arms, I walked into the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar. Not for the first time, because I also did this with our eldest son Moos (now 1 year and 9 months old). That gave me confidence, even though it feels different with every baby.
“I want in!”
By the teaching pool, I laid Sef down on the changing mat. Beside us, the water rippled gently and he looked at it with a smile the whole time, as if he were clearly thinking: I want to get in. His legs went up and down enthusiastically and I had to laugh at his impatience. Even before we were in the water, he was already completely in it.
The atmosphere in the swimming pool was pleasantly quiet. No crowds, no echoing voices, but parents with large bags, wet towels over their arms and babies who were all awake or sleepy in their own way. A little later we also saw Jula, a 3.5-month-old little friend who was also taking part in the lesson that morning. That made it extra nice to get into the water together.
Laughing from the first moment
Once we were in the water, it was immediately clear: Sef loved it! As soon as he felt the warm water, he started laughing out loud. Not cautiously or tentatively, but full out. His whole little body joined in as his arms splashed happily through the water. The sounds, the voices and the movement only seemed to make him more curious. He looked around, looked at me and started laughing again.
Singing, games and baby pace
The lesson was taught by Sylvia and her calm manner of guidance made a big difference. She took the time to explain how to hold your baby and why certain movements feel nice. We sang songs, played little games and played with fun props in the water. Everything at baby's pace, without any rush. Sef loved it and followed everything attentively. I didn't need to encourage him anywhere, he joined in all by himself.
What struck me once again was how conscious this moment felt. No phone, no distractions, just Sef and me in the water. His wet little hands around my fingers, his little head pressed against me. I recognised that feeling from the old days with Moos. That baby and parent swimming it is not only about getting used to water, but above all about being together and discovering together.
A place where you feel safe
The atmosphere during parent and baby swimming at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool felt safe, calm and well-organised. Small-scale and warm, exactly what you hope for with a young baby. And nice to know that you can continue here too, because from 1 year of age children can take part in parent and toddler swimming.
Tired, satisfied and already planning for next time
On the way back, Sef was fast asleep in the car within five minutes. Exhausted, glowing and clearly satisfied. Me too, really. With wet hair, mild muscle ache in my arms and that lovely feeling of having done something special together. These are the kinds of moments that stick with you, precisely because they are so simple and real. And, to be honest: we'll be going again soon!
Lots of love,
Lisa
A new year often feels like a clean slate. Perhaps you want to exercise more, gradually build up your fitness or simply create a regular moment for yourself. Swimming fits in surprisingly well with that. It is accessible, effective and you decide for yourself how intense you make it. At the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool you see that every year: in January the pool is full of people who want to start the year fit in their own way. In this blog you can read how lane swimming and aquasports help you to get 2026 off to a good start. Without pressure, without schedules, but with exercise that you can keep up.
Why swimming works so well at the beginning of the year
After the festive season, your body often feels a bit stiffer and heavier. That is precisely when swimming is pleasant. The water supports your body, meaning your joints take less strain than with many other sports. At the same time, you use virtually all your muscle groups and work on your fitness.
Swimming has another advantage: it is relaxing. Many people notice that their mind feels calmer as soon as they get into the water. That makes it easier to make exercise part of your routine, even if January feels busy or dark.
Lane swimming: your pace, your moment
Lane swimming is the foundation of the week for many visitors. Whether you are swimming a few quiet lengths or training specifically on your technique and stamina, you always choose your own pace. In the 25- or 50-metre pool, you can focus on rhythm, breathing and a smooth stroke.
For some, lane swimming is a regular morning ritual. A quick swim before work and the day starts more sharply. Others come in the evening precisely to release tension. Whatever your time, the structure of lane swimming provides stability without needing to be rigid or performance-oriented. Anyone wanting to know when lane swimming is available can visit the page with opening hours.
Water sports: exercising together with energy
If you enjoy exercising together or are looking for more variety, aqua sports are a great addition. During aquafitness classes, you exercise to music under supervision, but always in the water. This means that jumps and movements have less impact, while you are still working out intensively.
There are various forms, ranging from calm and controlled to energetic and strength-focused. This makes water sports suitable for a wide group: from people who are just starting to exercise again to participants who have been active for longer. The water ensures that everyone can take part at their own level. More information about the different classes can be found on the page aquafitness.
Combining things often works best
Many visitors combine lane swimming and aqua sports. One time swimming quietly alone, another time taking a class for extra motivation. By varying, exercise stays fun and you prevent it from becoming an obligation.
One advantage of swimming is that it is easy to fit in. You do not need extensive preparation and you often quickly notice that your fitness is improving. That small success helps you to keep going, even after the first weeks of the new year.
Getting fit without harsh resolutions
Perhaps you don't have a strict fitness goal for 2026 and just want to enjoy moving. That is completely fine. Swimming isn't about being faster or better than others, but about taking good care of yourself. Whether you come once a week or more often, every dive into the water counts.
Hoornse Vaart swimming pool is a regular fixture in many people's week. Not only for exercising, but also to unwind from the day. If you want to discover what suits you best, it is often a matter of just starting out.
Good news for athletes who want to improve their swimming technique. Do you hold a Sport Voordeel subscription from Alkmaar Sport? Then throughout the month of January you will benefit from an attractive discount at Swim Performance in the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool.
50% discount on a personal training session
Exclusively for Sport Voordeel subscribers, Swim Performance is offering a discount of no less than 50% on a one-off personal training session with video analysis. During this session, your swimming technique will be analysed in detail and you’ll receive targeted feedback to help you swim more efficiently and powerfully. Whether you’re just starting out or are already an experienced swimmer, the coaching will be fully tailored to your level and goals.
In addition to personal training, Swim Performance also offers flexible group training sessions, suitable for both beginners and advanced swimmers. Ideal for those who want to work systematically on their technique, fitness and confidence in the water.
Valid in January
the promotion is valid throughout the whole of January and can be used up to six months after purchase. A nice extra benefit for anyone who wants to get more out of their Sport Voordeel subscription. You can sign up and find more information via the website of Swim Performance.
Don’t have a subscription yet? Get one now!
Aren't you already a proud owner of our Sports Advantage Subscription? Don't wait any longer and enjoy affordable swimming and ice skating, along with monthly surprises that make exercising even more fun. Purchase your subscription today and become part of our sporting community! You can find more information about the Sports Advantage Subscription on our website.
Winter doesn't always invite us to keep moving. It is dark, often cold and after a long day the sofa is tempting. Yet many people in Alkmaar and the surrounding area deliberately choose to keep swimming precisely during this period. Lane swimming and aquasports offer peace, structure and a way to stay active without the weather outside playing a part. At the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool you notice that the winter months have their own rhythm. Less hustle and bustle, a friendly atmosphere and warm water that invites you to move at your own pace.
Why swimming fits so well with winter
In winter, the body is often stiffer than in summer. Colder temperatures, less daylight and less exercise cause muscles and joints to feel tight more quickly. Swimming works pleasantly against this. The water supports your body, making movement feel lighter than on dry land.
In addition, indoor swimming is unaffected by the weather. No slippery pavements, no rain and no wind. You step into a warm environment and can start straight away. That makes it easier to choose a fixed time in the week and stick to it.
Lane swimming as a regular winter routine
For many swimmers lane swimming a regular part of their week. In winter, that often takes on extra value. The gentle pace, the sound of the water and the repetitive nature of the strokes help to clear your mind.
You decide for yourself how intensively you swim. Some people swim leisurely lengths to unwind, while others use the 50-metre pool to work purposefully on their fitness or technique. Especially in winter, there is often more space to swim at your own rhythm.
Lane swimming is often combined with other activities, but can also easily stand on its own. Just half an hour or an hour of swimming gives a satisfying feeling without leaving you exhausted for the rest of the day. You can read more about the possibilities at the recreational swimming.
Water sports provide structure and variety
Not everyone gets excited about counting lengths. Water sports then provide a nice variety. In the winter these classes are popular because they are accessible and at the same time provide structure. You know when you are going, you take part in a group and the class lasts exactly long enough.
Water sports combine exercise with the resistance of the water. That makes the exercises effective without feeling heavy. Many participants find that they step out of the pool feeling warm and supple after a class, which is nice on cold days.
The range is broad and suitable for various levels. Whether you want to exercise gently or are looking for a bit more of a challenge, there is always a form that suits you. On the page about aquafitness you can find an overview of the different lessons here.
Winter swimming without performance pressure
An important difference between winter and summer is the atmosphere. In winter, the emphasis is less on performance and more on persevering. Swimming does not have to be an end in itself; it can also simply be a moment for yourself.
Many visitors find that they remain more loyal in winter if they do not set the bar too high. One or two set times a week is often enough to maintain the sense of routine. That makes it easier to stay active in other parts of your life as well.
Warmth, tranquillity and clarity
Hoornse Vaart swimming pool features multiple indoor pools, meaning lane swimming and aqua sports take place alongside each other without getting in each other's way. That provides peace of mind and clarity. You know where you need to be and what you can expect.
In winter, the swimming pool feels like a sheltered spot. Outside it is dark and cold, inside it is light, warm and familiar. That contrast makes swimming especially appealing during this period.
A feasible winter routine
Those who keep exercising in the winter often notice that the transition to spring goes more smoothly. Your fitness level drops less and your body stays accustomed to regular movement. Lane swimming and aqua sports are easy to keep up with in this regard, as they require little preparation.
You only need to bring your swimming gear and can start immediately. That makes it easier to make it part of your week. Practical information about times can always be found on the page with opening hours.
Keep swimming, even when it's cold
Winter doesn't have to mean a break in your exercise routine. Right now, swimming can provide relaxation, warmth and a moment for yourself. Whether you choose to swim leisurely lengths or take an aquafitness class, the most important thing is that it suits you.
Many people discover that winter swimming is not just something to keep up until spring, but a period with its own charm. And once accustomed, many people often keep coming back even after that.
From Saturday 20 December up to and including Sunday 4 January, the Christmas holidays are once again just around the corner. Hoornse Vaart swimming pool is pulling out all the stops with extended opening hours for recreational swimmers, a varied aquafitness programme, free entertainment every day, a 15-metre-long obstacle course in the 50-metre pool every afternoon, and an Experience Center in the Instruction Pool for the little ones. Finally, Hoornse Vaart swimming pool is organising extra swimming lessons.
Free animation and assault course
Children who love climbing, scrambling and sliding are in for a treat, because from 20 December to 4 January every afternoon the 15-metre-long obstacle course will be in the 50-metre pool. For the very little ones, the Experience Center will be in the Instruction Pool every day. In addition, there is free entertainment every day. Everyone can join in the fun with the best water games in the afternoon, where great prizes can be won. The animation team guarantees a lot of fun!
Lane swimming & Aquafitness
During the Christmas holidays, the 50-metre pool is open for lane swimmers who want to maintain their fitness. In addition, an extensive aquafitness programme has been put together.
Extra holiday swimming lessons
On various days during the Christmas holidays, children can take part in extra swimming lessons at De Hout swimming pool in Alkmaar. On these days, lessons will be offered for various levels. Everyone – also children who do not take swimming lessons at Alkmaar Sport – is most welcome to take part in the extra swimming lessons.
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