Keep an Eye Out for Pitfalls When Developing Plans
As summer temperatures return and the holiday season approaches, Hesse's bathing lakes are gearing up for a busy season. However, it's important for swimmers to be mindful of potential risks, particularly the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
At the beginning of the season, 58 Hessian bathing lakes were identified as having "excellent" water quality, and three were rated "good". While this is good news for swimmers, it's crucial to remember that blue-green algae blooms can occur in many freshwater bodies during warm months like August.
Blue-green algae can spoil swimming fun, causing skin and mucous membrane irritation. As of mid-2025, there are no specific or direct recent search results reporting the current status or warnings related to blue-green algae in swimming lakes across Hesse.
To stay informed about the status of blue-green algae and any potential warnings in Hesse's swimming lakes, it's recommended to:
- Consult the Hessian Ministry for the Environment or equivalent state environmental agency websites.
- Reach out to local health departments or municipal water monitoring authorities in Hesse.
- Look for official public advisories and lake monitoring bulletins issued in mid-August 2025.
One lake that currently has a swimming ban due to a mass proliferation of blue-green algae is the Schultheis-Weiher in Offenbach. Swimming in areas with visible blue-green algae streaks is not recommended, as it can pose a risk, especially for children and dogs who may swallow large amounts of water while playing.
It's also important to note that the greater danger during the swimming season is drowning in low visibility. If one cannot see their feet while knee-deep in the water, they should not go into the lake.
For updated information on affected lakes, visitors can check the HLNUG homepage. If symptoms appear after swimming in water with blue-green algae, a doctor should be consulted.
Around 60 bathing waters across Hesse undergo hygiene inspections. Swimmers are advised to exercise caution when using wild waters, such as rivers or gravel pits, as they can be dangerous due to currents, the suction effect of ships on rivers, or swimming in unapproved gravel pits.
As of now, there are seven to eight reports of blue-green algae in Hesse, which is within the range of last year. The mass proliferation of blue-green algae in the Schultheis-Weiher in Offenbach has reached the alarm stage, with the swimming ban remaining in effect until further notice.
Stay safe and enjoy the swimming season responsibly by staying informed and following safety guidelines.
- To ensure the health and wellness of all swimmers at Hesse's bathing lakes, it is advisable to consult the environmental-science section of the Hessian Ministry for the Environment's website or contact local health departments or municipal water monitoring authorities for updated information on potential blue-green algae blooms.
- Concurrently, outdoor-living enthusiasts may find it useful to monitor the home-and-garden sections of websites such as HLNUG for updates on affected bathing lakes, as these resources often provide lake monitoring bulletins and advisories.
- As part of a lifestyle that cherishes the environment, being conscious of the risks associated with blue-green algae is essential for maintaining the integrity of our water sources and promoting the overall safety and wellbeing of everyone enjoying the great outdoors.
