Poland's Baltic coast sees first cyanobacteria bloom, prompting beach closures

Polish authorities have confirmed the season's first cyanobacteria (sinice) bloom on the Baltic Sea. The bloom was first detected at the Bulwar Słoneczny 2 beach in Krynicy Morskiej, marking the first coastal occurrence this year. The Main Sanitary Inspectorate's GIS bathing‑site service has mapped affected sites, highlighting closures at Sopot’s Łazienki Południowe I, Gdynia Śródmieście, Kusy Dwór (Czaplinek), a lake in Konin, and a site in Nowogródek Bobrzański.

Health officials warn that water contaminated by cyanobacteria can cause skin irritation, eye discomfort, gastrointestinal symptoms and respiratory issues. The blooms thrive in warm, still water with little wind or rainfall, conditions present during the recent heat wave. Visitors are advised to avoid contact with the affected water and to check the GIS map for up‑to‑date status of bathing sites.