Baltic Sea beaches in Poland face swimming bans

Several bathing areas along the Polish Baltic coast are currently under swimming bans due to hazardous weather conditions and bacterial contamination. Red flags have been deployed in various locations across the West Pomeranian and Pomeranian voivodeships, including Kołobrzeg, Ustronie Morskie, Mielno, Dąbki, Wiciu, Bobolina, and Jarosławiec.

The primary causes for these restrictions are high waves, exceeding 0.7 meters in some areas, and strong rip currents. While conditions have improved in some locations like Dziwnów and Mrzeżyn, allowing white flags to be displayed, others remain dangerous.

In Jastarnia, a more serious issue has emerged. Two bathing sites, Jastarnia Nadmorska-Plażowa and Jastarnia Zdrojowa, have been closed after tests revealed Escherichia coli levels more than twice the permissible limit. Additional water samples were collected on August 20, with results expected within 72 hours. Additionally, a cyanobacteria bloom has been observed in the Stepnica inland bathing area on the Szczecin Lagoon since late July.