The microbiological quality meets the norm at all official bathing areas in Lielupe, Bulduri, Dzintari, Majori, Pumpuri and Melluži in Jurmala, as confirmed by Latvian Health Inspectorate (VI).
This means all official bathing areas in Jurmala meet the necessary water hygiene requirements and it is therefore safe to swim there.
In Kolka’s swimming location in Talsi and Limbaži’s location in Salacgriva, however, the no swimming restriction will remain until results of laboratory tests of water samples have been announced.
VI announced restrictions on swimming in a number of official seaside and inland bathing areas after
high levels of microbiological pollution were uncovered in those locations at the beginning of July.
Specialists of the inspectorate remind that a prohibition on swimming means there is a high risk of receiving infectious diseases of the skin, mucous membranes or gastrointestinal tract. VI explains that the quality of water may have been affected by the rain showers, which took place before water samples were taken, as well as the possible leak of pollution from the surrounding land area and rainwater together with untreated waste.
During the active bathing season VI performs close monitoring of all 59 official inland and seaside bathing areas. Laboratory tests help monitor various microbiological factions – concentration of E.coli bacteria and intestinal Enterococcus bacteria. Experts also visually evaluate the colour of the water during water sampling. Special attention is paid to floating waste and oil products in the water, as well as the process of cyanobacterial reproduction.
If water samples show that water does not meet hygiene standards, the inspectorate imposes swimming restrictions – recommendation to not swim or a full prohibition on swimming in a specific location. The recommendation to not swim applies especially to certain groups of residents: children, older people, people suffering from chronic illnesses and people with a weakened immune system.
Residents in Latvia are able to follow the results of water quality monitoring in various bathing areas using VI’s website, which contains a map of official bathing areas in the country and information about the safety of various bathing areas.
To make swimming safe for residents, the inspectorate reminds those in charge of maintaining bathing areas that it is their responsibility to make sure water quality does not hurt residents’ health. Safety measures include, among other things, that swimming areas are to be enclosed by buoys, ribbons or other non-sinking materials. Whenever possible, the sector for children should be limited to a depth that does not exceed 70 cm.
It is also important to monitor the possible terrain changes at the bottom of bathing areas to make sure no holes form, no sharp rocks, glass or other items that could put people’s lives at risk accumulate at the bottom. It is also necessary to ensure comfortable and convenient access to bathing areas.
If no rescue service is available at a bathing area, a warning sign about no rescuers being present should be placed in a publicly accessible and clearly visible location. Rescue services’ contact information should be clearly visible as well.
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