Water quality tests carried out by Riga City Council show that at five bathing spots popular with winter swimmers – Bābelītis, Vakarbuļļi, Vecāķi, Lucavsala Bay and Ķīpsala – the microbiological indicators are good and swimming is permitted, the Rīga City Council said on October 13.
However, at the Rumbula bathing spot, the indicators are slightly below standard, so it is advisable to refrain from swimming there for the time being.
The Riga City Council’s Housing and Environment Department continues to monitor bathing water quality at the most popular spots for winter swimmers, even after the official end of the bathing season. Water samples are taken at the Bābelītis, Rumbula, Vakarbuļļi, Vecāķi, Lucavsala Bay and Ķīpsala bathing areas. The local authority carries out such monitoring regularly during the autumn and winter months, given the growing interest in year-round swimming.
For the convenience of winter swimmers, some of the infrastructure at the bathing areas has also been retained.
Swimmers are advised to bear in mind that the official swimming season has ended and lifeguards are no longer on duty at most bathing areas. It is therefore particularly important not to overestimate your abilities, not to swim alone in cold weather and to observe water safety rules.
The next sampling of bathing water for microbiological testing is scheduled for 10 November.
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