Suche
Mein Konto
Toxic blue-green algae in the Greifswalder Bodden: bathing ban for everyone!
On July 1, 2025, the health department warns of toxic blue-green algae in the Greifswalder Bodden. Safety tips and alternative swimming spots.
Toxic blue-green algae in the Greifswalder Bodden: bathing ban for everyone!
A hot summer is just around the corner, but swimming in Greifswalder Bodden can be a real danger. The health department of the Vorpommern-Greifswald district issued a warning today due to a routine measurement. Toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, were detected. Small children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should be particularly careful, as these algae can produce substances that are harmful to health. But our four-legged friends are not exempt either, reported the Baltic Sea newspaper.
As Germany's temperatures rise to up to 34 degrees Celsius, the risk of blue-green algae formation also increases. These thrive particularly in lots of sun and little water movement. The easterly wind is currently pushing the algae towards the coast, but the weather conditions could relax at night and offer the algae a little less habitat. So if you're hoping for a cool down, be careful!
Red Alert: Warnings and Precautions
The district has already put up warning signs to inform bathers. Visible signs of blue-green algae include bluish-green cloudiness, streaky deposits and a musty smell. If you encounter such signs, the health department advises you to avoid the swimming area. Contact with contaminated water can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. If swallowed, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are possible Northern Courier determines.
For the next few days, bathing water checks will be more important than ever. These have been running since May 5th at 57 bathing areas in Greifswald, Anklam and Pasewalk. Values such as pH value and visibility depth are checked. But it's not just the Greifswalder Bodden that is affected - other areas could also be affected, which is why caution is advised.
Alternatives to bathing
But don't worry, there are alternatives! The water in Eldena, Lubmin and Loissin is currently safe and can be used for a refreshing cool down. André Bleckmann, head of the DLRG Greifswald, confirms that the water in Eldena is clear and free of blue-green algae. So nothing stands in the way of a relaxing day of swimming there!
Overall, it is important to have a good handle on your swimming plans given the current weather situation. It's best to always pay attention to the visibility of the water quality and, if in doubt, choose another bathing area. After all, summer should bring relaxation and no health risks!