Diksmuide Makes Waves with Triumphant Swim Policy and Employee Wellness Initiatives
Diksmuide’s De Pluimen swimming pool enjoyed another successful year in 2024,welcoming a steady stream of visitors. With a total of 151,995 swimmers, the pool maintained its popularity from the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of the city’s commitment to providing accessible recreational opportunities. Notably, Sunday openings proved particularly successful, attracting 13,864 visitors, a 9.1% increase from 2023. This trend highlights the growing demand for weekend leisure activities and the city’s responsiveness to community needs.”The success of Sunday openings confirms our strategy and encourages us to continue this approach,” stated Marc De Keyrel, Diksmuide’s sports alderman. Initially launched as a trial in 2019, the Sunday openings were delayed due to the pandemic but quickly gained traction upon their implementation in 2022.
Beyond leisure swimming,De pluimen serves a diverse range of users. In 2024, the pool hosted 74,504 casual swimmers, 7,266 participants in swimming lessons, 558 employees taking advantage of the sport@work programme, 24,782 members of swimming clubs, and 44,885 school children. This diverse user base underscores the pool’s vital role in promoting health and well-being across all age groups and demographics.
Adding to the positive momentum, sales of 10- and 50-swim passes also saw an increase, indicating a growing commitment to regular exercise among residents.
Diksmuide’s dedication to employee wellness extends beyond the swimming pool. The city earned the prestigious “Sportbedrijf” label from Sport Vlaanderen, a testament to its comprehensive approach to promoting physical activity among its workforce.
Launched in 2017, Diksmuide’s sport@work program provides employees with free access to a variety of fitness options, including swimming, gym workouts, badminton, tennis, and padel. The program has expanded to include Zumba, start to run, and stepping BBB classes, catering to diverse interests and fitness levels.
Further encouraging a culture of movement, the annual “Stappenclash” challenge in May motivates employees to track their steps, fostering friendly competition between city departments. In 2024, 181 employees participated, collectively covering an extraordinary 36,226 kilometers.
Recognizing the importance of sustainable commuting, Diksmuide also offers a bike leasing program, enabling employees to make their daily journeys in an environmentally friendly and healthy manner. Approximately 60 employees have already taken advantage of this initiative.
“The ‘Sportbedrijf’ designation is not just a reward for our efforts; its a powerful motivator to continue on this path,” emphasized De Keyrel. Diksmuide’s commitment to fostering a healthy and active community, both within its workforce and among its residents, serves as a model for other municipalities.
As a seasoned sports moderator, I see the remarkable initiatives undertaken by Diksmuide’s De Pluimen swimming pool as a prime example of how communities can foster a love for sports while prioritizing employee well-being. the success of their swim policy speaks volumes about their commitment to providing accessible and inclusive aquatic opportunities.
It would be fascinating to delve deeper into the specifics of this policy. What are some of the unique elements that have contributed to its success? How has the community responded to these initiatives? Has there been a measurable increase in participation, particularly amongst demographics that traditionally have faced barriers to accessing aquatic facilities?
Moreover, I am intrigued by the emphasis on employee wellness. What specific programs and initiatives are in place to support the well-being of the de Pluimen staff? How does this focus on employee wellness translate into a more positive and productive work environment? Sharing these insights can inspire othre sports facilities to adopt similar practices.
The article only provides a glimpse into diksmuide’s success story.A deeper exploration of their swim policy and employee wellness initiatives would undoubtedly offer valuable lessons and insights for the broader sports community.
