Blue-green algae alert! Bathing ban imposed at the Bever Dam!

Blue-green algae alert! Bathing ban imposed at the Bever Dam!

The summer heat causes problems for the people of Cologne and at the same time causes undesirable side effects on the waterways. In the last few days there has been an alarm from the Oberberg district and the Wupper Association regarding a blue-green algae bloom situation at the Bever Dam. Due to the strong sunlight and the reduced water levels, the Käfernberg bathing area was closed as a precaution. This always happens when health authorities identify a health risk.

Blue-green algae are actually not algae, but cyanobacteria that thrive in warm weather. They often form greenish or blue-green clouds in the water and can produce dangerous toxins. These toxins are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and small children because they can cause nausea, skin irritation and, in severe cases, even shortness of breath. In addition, there are reports of serious health consequences such as paralysis and, in the worst case, suffocation after swallowing water containing blue-green algae NDR informed.

Be careful around the water

Blue-green algae blooms are particularly common in the hot season. It is therefore advisable to find out about the water quality at bathing areas. Officials are keeping an eye on bathing water quality and everyone should definitely heed the warnings. Yellow flags, for example, signal a warning for swimming, while red flags indicate a general ban on swimming Onmeda explained.

Visitors who notice signs of blue-green algae should stay away from these waters. After swimming, it is advisable to shower your body thoroughly and change your swimwear to remove any residue. If you do come into contact, you should rinse your eyes with clean water if in doubt. If you accidentally swallow water contaminated with blue-green algae, it makes sense to consult a doctor, especially if you have children. It may be a good idea to be careful here, because blue-green algae can appear unpredictably and may even disappear quickly.

Signs of blue-green algae

You should observe the following in the water to quickly become aware of blue-green algae:

• Grünliche oder blau-grüne Wasserfarbe
• Wolkige Gebilde oder Algenteppiche
• Gute Sicht auf Füße im knietiefen Wasser ist nicht mehr gegeben
• Vermehrte Tote Fische an der Wasseroberfläche

The dam company is also monitoring developments. The information on various bathing areas in the Oberbergischer Kreis is constantly updated and should be consulted by interested bathers. Such information is currently available at www.obk.de/badegewaesser.

Overall, we should always have a good hand when it comes to our bathing pleasure in summer, because as we all know, prevention is better than cure. Stay safe and don't miss the warnings!