Bathing fun or danger of germs? How to protect yourself in Lower Saxony!

Bathing fun or danger of germs? How to protect yourself in Lower Saxony!

The 2025 bathing season in Lower Saxony began on April 15th with the opening of the Friesenbad in Weener. During this time it is particularly important to pay attention to hygiene and health protection in order to minimize the risks of infections and illnesses when bathing. Experts from the Wolfenbüttel district warn urgently about possible germs and pathogens that lurk in swimming pools and lakes. These include Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, which are usually brought in by bathers. Parasites and various viruses can also occur in the water, which can lead to serious illnesses.

These pathogens are transmitted not only via the water itself, but also via surfaces or the drinking water installation. Particularly critical areas are the shower area and the edges of the pool, where there is direct physical contact. Hygiene in swimming pools is therefore essential to protect the health of bathers. Daily cleaning measures and personal hygiene measures of visitors are factors that contribute to reducing the risk of illness.

Important hygiene measures for bathers

The experts recommend following some simple but effective hygiene measures:

• Nicht mit offenen Wunden ins Wasser gehen.
• Auf Wasseraufnahme über Mund und Nase verzichten.
• Bei Erkrankungen oder geschwächtem Immunsystem das Baden meiden.
• Vor und nach dem Baden duschen.
• Badeschuhe in Bewegungsbereichen tragen.
• Nicht baden, wenn Verdacht auf eine Infektionskrankheit besteht.

It should also be noted that the water in swimming pools is continuously treated and disinfected. These measures aim to kill or inactivate microorganisms that could pose a health risk as quickly as possible, with the legal requirements anchored in the Infection Protection Act also playing an important role here. Health authorities are obliged to monitor water quality and ensure that it is harmless to health, based on the guidelines according to DIN 19643 and the recommendations of the Federal Environment Agency.

Risks when swimming in lakes

But there are risks not only in swimming pools. Swimming lakes that are often not treated or disinfected can also lead to health problems. A common source of danger is faeces, which, despite good hygiene, can adhere to the human body and end up in the water. Intestinal germs such as coli bacteria are not uncommon and can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Furthermore, women, especially those with diabetes or pregnant women, can develop vaginal infections and bladder infections due to these germs. If you notice symptoms such as itching or burning, you should react quickly and take appropriate hygiene measures. Wearing bathing shoes and carefully drying between your toes are highly recommended in this context to reduce the risk of athlete's foot.

It is therefore important to only use bathing lakes in monitored EU bathing waters. The condition of swimming areas can be assessed by indicators such as the presence of dead animals, animal use or visible algae blooms. High temperatures in nutrient-rich waters also contribute to the formation of algae blooms, which can make the water undrinkable.

Overall, the bathing season not only demands fun and joy, but also a certain degree of mindfulness and responsibility. Adhering to simple hygiene rules can make a decisive contribution to ensuring that your time in the water remains carefree and healthy. For further information on health risks and hygiene measures that contribute to safe bathing, please refer to the reports at Regional today as well as articles from BR and Federal Environment Agency.