Three bathing sites in northern Poland closed due to cyanobacteria blooms and E. coli contamination

Three bathing sites closed across two voivodeships

On Saturday, 27 June, three designated bathing sites in northern Poland were closed due to microbiological contamination and cyanobacteria blooms, according to the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate's online Bathing Service (Serwis Kąpieliskowy GIS). The closures affect two popular beaches in the Pomerania voivodeship: Gdynia Śródmieście and Sopot Łazienki Południowe I, and a lake resort in West Pomerania, Camp Drawa on Lake Żerdno.

Tri-City beaches hit by cyanobacteria

The Pomerania closures were both triggered by blooms of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. Red flags prohibiting entry to the water were flying at Gdynia Śródmieście and Sopot Łazienki Południowe I, with sanitary authorities warning that cyanobacteria can cause serious health problems and urging full compliance with the ban.

E. coli contamination at an inland lake

In West Pomerania, the bathing ban at Camp Drawa on Lake Żerdno was introduced after tests detected Escherichia coli bacteria. The sanitary services note that contact with E. coli-contaminated water can lead to significant health issues, particularly among children and the elderly.

Scale of this weekend's closures

The wider picture: where the water is safe

All other designated bathing sites in Pomerania and West Pomerania, both along the Baltic coast and at inland lakes, have water that is safe for swimming. Updated results are published continuously in the GIS Bathing Service, and bathers are advised to check the status before travelling.

Some bathing sites in Pomerania and West Pomerania are not yet active - the official bathing season starts there on various dates.