WILLEMSTAD – The government will soon begin installing special mooring buoys for boats at Curaçao’s beaches, following repeated incidents involving boats and jet skis entering designated swimming areas and improperly tying up to floating swim lines. The announcement was made by the Ministry of General Affairs (GMN).
As part of broader efforts to upgrade and improve Curaçao’s beaches for both residents and visitors, the government has been installing so-called drijflijnen—floating lines with buoys in the water. These swim lines are designed to clearly separate safe swimming zones from maritime traffic, allowing swimmers to enjoy the sea without exposure to boats or jet skis.
However, GMN reports that it regularly receives complaints and notifications that boats and jet skis are crossing these swim lines and entering areas specifically designated for swimmers. In addition, some boat owners have been tying their vessels to the swim lines, even though this is strictly prohibited.
According to the ministry, swim lines are not designed to function as mooring points. When boats are tied to them, the lines are damaged or break, requiring repeated repairs. This not only leads to additional public costs but also puts swimmers at risk by compromising the separation between recreational swimming areas and maritime traffic.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, who is also responsible for the upgrading of Curaçao’s beaches, has issued a serious appeal to boat and jet ski owners to respect the designated separation between maritime traffic and swimming areas. He emphasized that both crossing swim lines and mooring boats to them are prohibited.
To address the issue, Pisas confirmed that a solution has been identified and that GMN will soon start installing dedicated buoys specifically intended for mooring boats. These buoys will provide a safe and legal alternative for boat owners, while preserving the integrity of the swim lines and ensuring the safety of beachgoers.
The ministry reiterated that respecting the swim lines is essential to prevent dangerous situations and to maintain safe, accessible beaches for everyone. Images released alongside the announcement show jet skis crossing swim lines and boats tied directly to them, illustrating the ongoing problem the government now aims to resolve.
