In anticipation of the season, the Ministry of Health conducted the first water quality checks at all official beaches in the country.
The results of the analyses confirmed that the water quality at all official sea and inland swimming locations meets the requirements, and no microbiological contamination was detected in any of the samples.
This season, the list of official beaches has been supplemented by two new swimming locations — the Bolderāja quarry in Riga and the Maras pond in Kuldīga. Thus, there are now 61 official swimming locations in Latvia.
To ensure safe recreation by the water, specialists from the Health Inspectorate will conduct monthly water quality checks at all official beaches until September 15. The inspections include laboratory analyses and a visual assessment of the water condition.
In laboratories, two important microbiological indicators are determined — the concentration of Escherichia coli (E.coli) and intestinal enterococci. These indicators help to timely identify possible fecal contamination and the presence of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses.
During visual inspections, specialists assess the color of the water, the presence of debris, oil products, and monitor the risk of blue-green algae proliferation.
If the analysis results show that the water quality does not meet the requirements, the Health Inspectorate will impose restrictions — a recommendation not to swim or an official swimming ban. Information about this will be posted on the information boards at the beaches and on the agency's website.
With the start of the season, special caution while swimming is urged for children, elderly people, as well as individuals with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems.
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