KNZB — Koninklijke Nederlandse Zwembond

What is the KNZB?

The Koninklijke Nederlandse Zwembond (KNZB), the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation, is the national body for swimming and the other aquatic sports in the Netherlands. The federation describes itself as an organisation that has worked “al meer dan 130 jaar” — for more than 130 years — to promote swimming in the Netherlands.^[5] It states a mission of connecting swimmers across the country, from learning to swim and recreational swimming to international competition.^[5]

What does the KNZB govern or do?

The KNZB’s site groups its sports as competitive swimming, open-water swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, diving, para-swimming and water basketball.^[4] On its own account, it supports both recreational and competitive swimming, including Dutch participation in European and world championships and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and it runs swimming-diploma and development programmes that introduce young swimmers to the competitive disciplines.^[5] European Aquatics lists head coaches at the federation for swimming, diving, artistic swimming and men’s and women’s water polo.^[2]

When was the KNZB founded and where is it based?

European Aquatics gives 1888 as the KNZB’s year of foundation.^[2] The federation itself states that it has been active for more than 130 years.^[5] It is based in Nieuwegein, where European Aquatics gives its address as Coltbaan 1-19; the federation states that about 65 professionals work at the bond.^[2][5]

How is the KNZB recognised?

European Aquatics. European Aquatics’ directory of member federations lists the Netherlands’ member as the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation, and its federation profile names Hayke Veldman as president and Arnoud Strijbis as general secretary.^[1][2]

World Aquatics. European Aquatics describes itself as the governing body for aquatic sports representing Europe and as affiliated to World Aquatics, with 52 national aquatic federations affiliated as members.^[3]

What does the KNZB organise?

The KNZB’s site carries the Nederlandse Kampioenschappen (NK), the Dutch national championships, among them the short-course swimming season and the national championships in water basketball.^[4] The federation also runs the Dutch swimming-diploma system and development pathways such as Swimstar and the Sterrenplan, which lead young swimmers towards competitive swimming, artistic swimming, diving and water polo.^[5]

Who are its members?

The KNZB states that its staff work for “± 420 verenigingen, 43 startgemeenschappen en circa 130.000 leden” — about 420 clubs, 43 start communities and around 130,000 members (as stated in October 2026).^[5] Its site describes club membership as the route into the sport, presenting swimming at a club as healthy, enjoyable and sociable.^[4]