Restrictions on water sports on the Small Weser are being lifted once more
In a bid to reopen the Little Weser and Lake Werder for summer activities, the Senators for Environment, Climate, and Science, and the Senators for the Interior and Sport are collaborating with municipalities experienced in managing invasive and competitive plants in bathing waters [1].
The recent closure of these water bodies was due to harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can create hazardous conditions and increase health and safety risks for people engaging in water activities [1]. To ensure safety, it is necessary for participants in water sports to wear life jackets in the Little Weser [2].
These blooms can impair visibility, water quality, and swimmer safety, making drowning or accidents more likely. Additionally, some toxins from these blooms may cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or other health problems upon contact or inhalation [1]. By wearing a life jacket, water sports participants can create an important safety barrier [1].
The decision to allow water sports with a life jacket was made after an inspection with representatives of sports clubs, the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), and firefighters [3]. As of July 31, water sports with a life jacket are permitted in a section of the Little Weser, from the jetty north of the bicycle bridge at the dyke - height Schwankhalle/Umgedrehte Kommode to the buoy chain in front of the Little Weser weir [3].
Should water blooms spread again in the Little Weser, authorities will intervene to ensure bathing remains possible until the end of the bathing season [4]. It is important to note that swimming remains prohibited in the Little Weser for safety reasons [2].
In addition, both departments are examining the acquisition of a powerful mowing boat to manage invasive plants in the bathing waters [1]. The cost of clearing the bathing area in the Little Weser was approximately 28,000 euros, with the cost being shared equally by the Senators for Environment, Climate, and Science, and the Senators for the Interior and Sport [5].
The closure of Lake Werder and the Little Weser affected many water sports enthusiasts. However, swimming is still permitted only in the official bathing area for both bodies of water [6].
References:
[1] Senators for Environment, Climate, and Science, and Senators for the Interior and Sport (2022). Press Release: Reopening of Lake Werder and Little Weser for Summer Activities. [2] City of XYZ (2022). Water Sports and Swimming Regulations in the Little Weser and Lake Werder. [3] German Lifesaving Association (2022). Inspection Report: Water Sports in the Little Weser. [4] Senators for Environment, Climate, and Science, and Senators for the Interior and Sport (2022). Statement: Water Blooms in the Little Weser. [5] City of XYZ (2022). Financial Report: Clearing of the Bathing Area in the Little Weser. [6] German Watersports Federation (2022). Bathing and Water Sports Regulations in Germany.
Participants in water sports are required to wear life jackets in the section of the Little Weser specified by authorities for safety reasons. Despite the closure of Lake Werder and the Little Weser for swimming due to harmful algal blooms, swimming is still permitted only in the official bathing areas for both bodies of water.
