Low water levels in rivers and other bodies of water are also having increasing consequences for the recreational sector. Various marinas are noticing that they are becoming inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels; the Twente Canal is closed to shipping, and due to reduced flow, the quality of swimming water is deteriorating. Recreational routes are also experiencing disruption as ferries are being taken out of service.
See also: 162 of the 945 official swimming locations have a warning, negative advice, or swimming ban.
Rijkswaterstaat, which manages most navigation areas in the Netherlands, reports on July 30, 2026: “The drought in the Netherlands is worsening. The Rhine has never been so low at the Lobith measuring point. The Meuse is also bringing too little fresh water into the country due to a lack of rain abroad. Therefore, measures remain necessary.”
Measures include:
- Lower frequency of lock operation (longer waiting times)
- Closing waterways to maintain the water level in an area.
Marinas are facing increasing restrictions
It is primarily the marinas along the major rivers Rhine, Waal, IJssel, Nederrijn, and parts of the Meuse where shallows are forming, resulting in jetties drying out and difficult-to-reach harbour entrances. Water sports enthusiasts are advised to navigate with extra caution and to check the current draft. The Twente Canal has been completely closed since July 24 , with consequences for the marinas in that catchment area. It is estimated that around 10 to 15 marinas and water sports associations there are directly affected by the closure. As of August 1, the municipality of Deventer will stop operating the lock towards the IJssel, rendering that harbour inaccessible as well.
Due to poor navigation conditions in many rivers (throughout Europe), many boat owners are heading to locations where water levels pose few problems. As a result, the Meuse region is experiencing an increased influx of water sports enthusiasts.
River cruises are also already facing restrictions due to low water levels, although those problems lie primarily upstream in the various cruising areas in Europe (Rhine, Meuse, Danube).
HISWA Recron also sees increasing challenges.
Trade association HISWA Recron also observes that problems are increasing at various locations. They report in an article:
Low water levels make boating more challenging than usual this summer. The risk of running aground is increasing, particularly on the Rhine, Waal, Lower Rhine, and Gelderse IJssel, while closures such as the one at Eefde Lock are completely disrupting shipping connections. For recreational boaters, this means paying more attention to route planning, taking waiting times into account more, and relying less on familiar routes. With good preparation, boating remains possible, but flexibility is more important than ever.
For watersports businesses, low water levels can directly lead to reduced revenue and additional costs. Marinas and rental companies face difficult or inaccessible berths, shallow harbor entrances, and customers postponing, shortening, or cancelling their boating holidays. Yacht charter operators may also need to adjust routes or temporarily restrict activities.
In addition, the risk of boats running aground or hitting the bottom increases. At the same time, companies may incur extra costs for dredging, beaconing, warnings, and guiding guests. Moreover, waiting times and obstructions at bridges and locks make business operations less predictable. Up-to-date waterway information is therefore essential for both entrepreneurs and their customers.
Finally, there are currently at least 50 closures of bridges and locks. NTS messages list view | Rijkswaterstaat . Often due to overdue maintenance, a lack of budget for repairs, and a shortage of personnel.
By HISWA Recron
Ferries out of service
Popular recreational cycling routes are also being affected by the low water level as ferries are being taken out of service. Most of the cancelled ferries are small ferries for cyclists and pedestrians . They are more sensitive to low water levels than large car ferries because:
- the pontoons and jetties have insufficient water depth;
- the slope between the bank and the ferry becomes too steep;
- is no longer possible to safely get in and out.
Also obstacles in Belgium
In Wallonia, water levels in various smaller rivers and streams are exceptionally low. This has consequences for recreational activities such as:
- canoe and kayak rental;
- rafting;
- recreational fishing.
On various rivers, minimum water levels apply before commercial departures are permitted. During prolonged droughts, departures are therefore regularly restricted or temporarily suspended.
The consequences are even greater on some cross-border waterways. For example, the French Meuse is temporarily closed to recreational boating from Sedan due to low water levels. This also affects Belgian water sports enthusiasts who normally travel this route to France. As a result, more pleasure boaters are choosing to stay in Belgium or on the Dutch Meuse.
More information about drought measures in Flanders: www.vlaamsewaterweg.be/nl/waterbeheer/droogtemaatregelen