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Be careful when swimming: How to protect yourself from dangerous blue-green algae!
Find out everything about current blue-green algae warnings in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and their effects on bathing pleasure and health.
Be careful when swimming: How to protect yourself from dangerous blue-green algae!
Summer, sun, Baltic Sea – what could be nicer? But this year, special caution is required when swimming on northern Germany's beaches. The authorities are urgently warning about the danger of blue-green algae, which is increasingly appearing in our waters. Basically, if you follow the rule of thumb, you can swim more carefree. This means that it is better not to go into the water if your feet are no longer visible in knee-deep water. This warning signal often indicates a dangerous infestation by cyanobacteria, as the [Nordkurier](https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/mecklenburg-vorpommern/wer-sich-an-diese-faustregel-haelt-kann-an-der-ostsee-unbe Schwerter-baden-3842850) reports.
The problem is not new, but it has become more explosive in recent years. The water temperature in the Baltic Sea has warmed by almost two degrees since the 1990s, which promotes the spread of blue-green algae. These bacteria feel particularly comfortable in persistent warm temperatures above 20 degrees. In the last few days, several bathing lakes have been temporarily closed to bathers, including the Luisenbad in Mölln, as NDR reports.
Health risks from blue-green algae
But what exactly are these blue-green algae? Despite their name, they are not algae, but bacteria, which in certain concentrations can be dangerous to health. People with previous illnesses, children and animals are particularly at risk. Symptoms of possible poisoning range from skin irritation to nausea to severe respiratory illness. Dogs are not safe either: bathing in contaminated water can be fatal for them. Health authorities are required to regularly check the water quality and, if necessary, issue bathing bans.
Some species of blue-green algae produce toxic substances that can pose significant health risks when they come into contact with the skin, but also when drinking contaminated water. Cyanobacteria tend to multiply massively in our waters, especially in dry, warm weather and little wind. Signs such as green streaks in the water or dead fish on the surface are clear warning signs that should not be ignored. Deutschlandfunk has provided further information on this.
Where are the danger spots?
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, eight bathing areas with elevated levels of cyanobacteria have already been found this bathing season:
| Bathing area | Location |
|---|---|
| Lake Garda | – |
| Gravel lake near Liessow | – |
| Kuhlensee near Thelkow | – |
| Lake Langensee | – |
| Lütt See near Vietow | – |
| Rühner Lake near Bützow | – |
| Street lake near Karstorf | – |
| Sülzpuhl near Rühn | – |
Swimming on hot summer days can quickly become a health risk if you ignore the water quality. Climate change in particular is contributing to increasing blue-green algae blooms. In order to make the bathing season safe and pleasant, it is advisable to find out about the latest water quality information and visit official bathing spots before your bathing trip.
With a watchful eye and a good eye for water quality, summer on the Baltic Sea can still be enjoyed carefree. Follow the recommendations of the authorities and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year wisely!