Swimming in Natural Water: Pay attention to Blauwalg
As soon as it gets warmer, people seek cooling in lakes and puddles. Although this can be wonderfully refreshing, there is a danger in the form of blue algae. Swimming in water contaminated with blue algae can lead to annoying health problems.
In natural water there are millions of small organisms, which is quite normal. Most are innocent, but that does not apply to blue algae. Despite its name, blue algae are not real algae, but bacteria, also known as cyanobacteria.
What is Blauwalg?
Blauwalgen is mainly found in freshwater. During hot periods they can multiply quickly. Excessive growth of blue algae indicates a deterioration in water quality. Due to the recent drought and high temperatures, the growth of Blue Algae has increased enormously.
These bacteria form a blue-green (sometimes reddish brown) floating layer on the water, which often spreads a strong smell of sulfur or sewer. This is because many blue algae die at the bottom of the drift layer, causing toxins to enter the water. These toxins are harmful for both humans and animals. So do not let your dog swim in contaminated water.
How do you check for Blauwalg?
How do you know if there is blue algae in the water? Before swimming for a day, you can check the map on bathing water.nl. You can see exactly where blue algae has been found and where it is best not to swim. Water quality is measured regularly and the website is updated continuously, so check it regularly. Often there are also warning signs for lakes or other natural waters where blue algs has been detected.
Health complaints by Blauwalg
If you swim in contaminated water or accidentally swallow water despite precautions, there may be health problems.
Swim in Blauwalg? If you have swam in water with blue algae but have not swallowed any water, take a shower as soon as possible and rinse yourself with tap water (soap is not necessary). Within 12 hours of swimming, skin irritation, itching or burning sensation can occur. Red, irritated and itchy eyes are also common. People with asthma can be stuffy by breathing small drops of water.
- Water swallowed?
If you have been given water in your mouth or nose during swimming, you may experience abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Serious symptoms due to large amounts of toxins are rare, because you should drink a lot of contaminated water for this. In swallowing it is usually small amounts. Other possible symptoms include allergic reactions with fever, sore throat, ear pain, running nose or swollen lips.
How long the complaints last varies from one person to another. Most people feel better within three to five days. If you have received many blue algae, have difficulty breathing or other serious complaints, please contact your doctor.
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