Poland and Sweden issue water safety bans for tourists

In Olsztyn, Poland, the municipal sports and recreation department closed three city beaches at the Ukiel lake after detecting cyanobacterial blooms. Red flags were hoisted and swimming was prohibited at Bathing Sites No. 1, No. 2 and the Water Playground, while other beaches such as Sunny Meadow and Skanda remained open. Authorities warned that contact with the contaminated water can cause skin and eye irritation and, if ingested, gastrointestinal illness, and the ban will stay in place until water quality improves.

On Sweden’s island of Gotland, water scarcity prompted regional officials to urge residents and tourists to replace showers with sea‑water bathing. The campaign claims a single sea‑bath can save 60‑90 liters of water, and water pressure has been reduced while several intakes were shut. Similar conservation appeals are also underway in Malmö. The measures aim to cope with low surface and groundwater levels caused by a dry winter and increased industrial water use.