Program 2025

LINE-UP:

LoveSwim is about more than just swimming! Enjoy a summery atmosphere with a DJ, spectacular demonstrations and cheerful acts – both on the water and on the shore. Come and cheer on your friends with a drink and a snack, and celebrate the love for swimming and for each other. Here’s what’s on the program:


Bumba Band – Swinging live opening act full of energy and fun


DJ Natarcia – Uplifting beats from the dock throughout the event


Ritchie Lahnstein – Queer pop talent with a soulful voice and a powerful live performance


Synchronized Swimming Show – Elegant water choreography by the De Dolfijn team


250-meter Extravaganza – Fun swimming competition with expressive outfits, including a spectacular mermaid demonstration


As in previous years, you can choose from different swimming distances. You do not have to register in advance for a specific distance.
Do you still have energy left after one distance? Then just swim again!

Schedule:

  • 16:00 – Opening, accompanied by a live performance by the Bumba Band
  • 16:10 – Warm-up act by Kaleidogig & XOTO
  • 16:30 – 250-meter swim
  • 17:00 – 1000-meter swim + performance by Ritchie Lahnstein
  • 17:45 – 750-meter swim + second performance by Ritchie Lahnstein
  • 18:15  – 250-meter swim Competitive Swimming
  • 18:35 – Award Ceremony
  • 18:40 – Synchronized Swimming Demonstration by De Dolfijn
  • 19:00 – 500-meter swim
  • 19:30 – Mermaid Swimming Demonstration
  • 19:45 – 250-meter Extravaganza
  • 20:00 – Award Ceremony
  • 20:05 – 1500-meter swim
  • 20:50 – Closing Ceremony

DJ Natarcia will provide uplifting beats from the dock throughout the event.

Food and Drinks:

Drinks are available for purchase at the rowing center bar during the event. And from 4:30 PM, our regular caterer will be back with delicious dishes: small plate: €7, full meal: €11, and dessert €3. And free tzatziki while waiting!

Relaxation:

Pamper your muscles! A free masseur will be present during LoveSwim, made possible by Sauna NZ.

Join the swim!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • When: Friday, July 25th.
    Registration/sign-in from 3:00 PM, opening at 4:00 PM, start of the first distance at 4:30 PM. End around 9:00 PM.
  • Where: Rowing Center Berlagebrug (Weesperzijde 1094, Amsterdam), just a 7-minute walk from Amstel Station.
  • Registration: The registration fee is €30. There is also a reduced rate for those with less to spend, and a sponsorship rate for those who want to make a little extra contribution.

Contact
Do you have a question about LoveSwim? Please feel free to contact us via the contact form or by email to LoveSwim@GaySwimAmsterdam.nl.

Images:
Photos and videos are taken during LoveSwim. Please inform the photographer or videographer if you don’t want to have your pictures taken.

INFORMATION FOR SWIMMERS:

Swimming rules:
In recent years, boat traffic on the Amstel has increased considerably. Together with lifeguards, we will keep a close eye on you from the shore and from the water. But: also pay close attention to yourself and each other! To keep LoveSwim safe and relaxed for everyone, we have listed the most important rules and tips below:

  • Wear the LoveSwim swimming cap. This is mandatory and you will receive it at the
    registration desk. This way you are clearly visible in the water.
  • Yellow marked buoys indicate the swimming routes, up to rowing centre De Hoop.
  • Always keep these buoys on your right side – both on the way there and on the way back.
  • The LoveSwim boat is at the buoy that corresponds to the distance that is currently being swum. Swim around it and return to the starting point.
  • Swim close to the buoys and avoid the channel as much as possible. Look around you regularly to check your position.
  • In need? Wave your arms! Someone from the lifeguards will come to you immediately.Please note: do not just wave to friends on the side, to avoid confusion.
  • Always follow the instructions of the LoveTeam and the lifeguards. In the event of a thunderstorm or other extreme weather, the program may be adjusted or canceled. We will inform you as soon as possible.
  • You can recognize LoveTeam volunteers by their specific tank tops.
  • Swimming with a buoy is allowed.
  • Remember: LoveSwim is not a competition. Swim for fun and at your own pace!

Practical information:

  • Come to the location at least 30 minutes in advance, so that you are on time for your swimming distance.
  • There are lockers available. You will need a €0.50 coin for this.
  • At the bar, you can only pay by card.
  • Both the bar and catering are accessible to participants and spectators.
  • The catering opens at 16:30 and is on the jetty. Payment can be made via a QR code
    with your phone. Prices: Small plate of food €11, Full meal €7 and desert: €3.

Facilities:
We are guests at Roeicentrum Berlagebrug. As a participant, you can use the changing rooms and showers for free.

  • Please leave them tidy. Use a squeegee if necessary and remove your hair from the
    shower drain.
  • There are two changing rooms with showers on site, divided into the categories ‘men’
    and ‘women’. We realise that this division does not work for everyone. Do you not feel comfortable with this binary division? Let a crew member know. We will be happy to provide a suitable and safe solution.
  • The deck of the rowing centre has been renewed and is sturdier than before, but:
  • Do not all stand on the deck at the same time. Spread out over the location. If it is busy, the organisation will indicate when you have to leave the deck.

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

The LoveSwim program has been carefully compiled, but some elements are still subject to change. The schedule may also be slightly delayed or delayed on the day itself.

Please note: the continuation of LoveSwim depends on the water quality in the Amstel River. We will announce no later than the day before the event if it cannot go ahead due to the circumstances.

See our terms and conditions for more information about participation, safety, and any changes.