Red flags at many bathing areas due to high waves, among other reasons.

Many bathing areas in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship remain closed on Wednesday, according to data published Wednesday by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate's Bathing Service. This is due to factors including high waves and countercurrents, as well as a cyanobacterial bloom.

Data published on Wednesday by the Bathing Service of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate shows that several dozen seaside bathing areas in northern Poland are closed due to high waves and strong countercurrents.

The decision to display a red flag at a guarded bathing area or a designated swimming area is made by lifeguards when the wind speed exceeds 5 on the Beaufort scale, when there is a wave over 70 cm with foamy white crests, and when there are strong reverse currents.

In the West Pomeranian Voivodeship these are bathing areas, among others, in Świnoujście (Uznam and Przytór), Międzyzdroje, Międzywodzie, Dziwnów, Dziwnówek, Łukęcin, Pobierowo, Pustków, Trzęsacz, Rewal, Niechorze, Pogorzelica, Mrzeżyno, Rogów, Dźwirzyno, Grzybowo, Kołobrzeg, Sianożęty, Ustronie Morskie, Gąski, Sarbinowo, Chłopy, Mielenko, Mielno, Łazy and Darłowo (8 bathing areas).

Moreover, in Western Pomerania, due to the bloom of cyanobacteria, bathing in Trzebież and Stepnica on the Szczecin Lagoon and on Lake Kosiakowo in Mirosławiec is not permitted.

In the event of a cyanobacterial bloom, entering the water is not recommended. Swimming in water contaminated with cyanobacteria can cause adverse reactions, ranging from skin rashes to reddened eyes. Ingestion of such water may result in gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Consuming water contaminated with coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and enterococci causes food poisoning, the characteristic symptoms of which include severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and general weakness are often also present, and sometimes dizziness and elevated body temperature may also occur.

The quality of bathing areas in Poland can be monitored on an ongoing basis at: http://sk.gis.gov.pl/.

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