Blue-green algae warning on the Bodden: Danger for children and pregnant women when swimming!

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Blue-green algae warning in Greifswald! Health risks on the Bodden, toy store about to close - current developments from July 2, 2025.

Blaualgenwarnung in Greifswald! Gesundheitsrisiken am Bodden, Spielzeugladen vor Schließung – Aktuelle Entwicklungen vom 2. Juli 2025.
Blue-green algae warning in Greifswald! Health risks on the Bodden, toy store about to close - current developments from July 2, 2025.

Blue-green algae warning on the Bodden: Danger for children and pregnant women when swimming!

With temperatures up to 34 degrees Celsius, the weather in Greifswald is currently ideal for a jump into the cool water. But not all bathing is the same, because increased concentrations of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) were found in the Ludwigsburg bathing area. Health authorities warn urgently about the health risks, which can be particularly significant for children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Visible signs such as greenish cloudiness, carpets of algae and a musty smell are serious warning signs that should not be ignored. Anyone who experiences symptoms such as skin irritation, nausea or diarrhea after coming into contact with contaminated water should act promptly. The beaches in Lubmin, Loissin and Eldena, which are currently harmless, are recommended as safe alternatives to swimming, reports Baltic Sea newspaper.

But what exactly are blue-green algae? Despite the name, they are not algae, but bacteria. They multiply in bodies of water, particularly in warm, dry weather conditions with little wind and lots of sunshine, which leads to the formation of greenish or blue-green colored water and unpleasant smells. Loud NDR Severe poisoning can even occur if large amounts of the contaminated water are swallowed, which in extreme cases can lead to paralysis and suffocation.

How to protect yourself

The symptoms of poisoning are similar to the usual clinical pictures that can occur after contact with blue-green algae: nausea, diarrhea, swollen mucous membranes and even respiratory diseases. Young children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Dogs can also be harmed by contact with contaminated water. It is therefore advisable to find out about the water quality before swimming and to prefer public bathing areas that are regularly checked, as can be found on the Federal Environment Agency's map of Germany. In addition, local media and health authorities provide information about warnings and bathing bans, and this should be taken seriously Pharmacy look around reported.

Economic challenges

Another point that is causing a lot of discussion in the city is the lack of staff in the civil engineering and green spaces department. Currently only 20 of the 29 required employees are on duty while a specialist company is working on a new green space concept. Maintaining the more than three square kilometers of green space remains a challenge.

The Zinnowitz water rescue service also warns of typical dangers on the beaches and points out that 75% of operations take place on land, often due to underestimated risks. Safety awareness is key to avoiding injuries.

In conclusion, it remains to be said: whether when bathing or in everyday life – it is better to be safe than sorry! Whether in the waters or in business, the coming weeks in Greifswald will present some challenges, but these can be overcome with the right information and preparation.