Sun's Back Once More - Time to Splash Away Again - Return of Summer: Set Your Plans Anew
Headline: Blue-Green Algae Warning Issued for Hessen Lakes During Holiday Season
Swimmers in Hessen are being urged to exercise caution during the holiday season due to the risk of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in lakes, especially for children and dogs.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife. These toxins can cause serious illness or death in pets quickly and can affect human health with symptoms ranging from skin irritation to more severe effects if toxins are ingested.
Key Precautions
- Avoid swimming or allowing children and dogs to swim in lakes that show visible signs of blue-green algae blooms. These blooms often look like thick, slimy green paint, pea soup, or scummy clusters on the water surface.
- Keep dogs away from licking or ingesting water from suspect lakes. Exposure to blue-green algae toxins can be fatal to pets within 15-20 minutes if dogs lick algae from their fur or swallow contaminated water or objects.
- Be alert for dead fish or waterfowl near lake shores, as these can be indicators of toxic algal blooms, although the presence of toxins cannot be confirmed without testing.
- Consider alternative safe swimming locations without bloom risk.
Current Situation
Currently, there are 7 to 8 reports of blue-green algae in Hessen, which is within the range of last year. However, there is no indication from local Hessen weather sources or recent reports about current bloom presence. Due to climate warming and nutrient runoff, vigilance is advised during these months.
Important Sites to Note
The Schultheis Pond in Offenbach has a ban on swimming due to the mass proliferation of blue-green algae. It is crucial to pay attention to signs on-site regarding blue-green algae presence.
Hygiene Checks
There are approximately 60 bathing waters across Hessen that undergo hygiene checks. Swimming in areas with visible blue-green algae streaks is not recommended, even if they have passed hygiene checks.
Additional Considerations
Since blue-green algae blooms thrive in warm, stagnant, nutrient-rich waters, they are more common in summer and early fall. Children should be supervised closely around water bodies with potential blue-green algae. If you can't see your feet when knee-deep in water, it's best not to go into the lake.
Blue-green algae can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation. Dogs and children are particularly at risk from blue-green algae poisoning.
Safety First
While Hessen's lakes are expected to be popular destinations during the summer holiday season, caution is advised. The greater danger during the swimming season is drowning due to low visibility. At the start of the swimming season, 58 Hessian bathing lakes were rated as "excellent" and three as "good".
Every year, warnings are issued against swimming in wild waters such as rivers or gravel pits, as they can be deadly due to currents, ship suction, or unapproved swimming areas. If symptoms occur after swimming, it's advisable to seek medical attention.
Winfried Staudt, responsible for the lakes at the HLNUG, stated that blue-green algae will probably never completely disappear during the swimming season. Therefore, it is essential to follow the precautions outlined above to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.
The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of the environment, promoting sustainable lifestyles that minimize the impact on outdoor-living and home-and-garden activities. It is vital to avoid using harmful chemicals and fertilizers in home gardens and landscaping around outdoor spaces to limit nutrient runoff into water bodies.
Considering the ongoing blue-green algae warnings in Hessen lakes and the potential risks to human and pet health, adopting eco-friendly lifestyle choices for the protection of the environment can contribute to the prevention of toxic algal blooms in the future, ensuring safer outdoor-living and home-and-garden experiences.
