HABBAL Flyer „Badewissen To Go”

What are the risks of swimming in the Baltic Sea? An informational leaflet on this topic has been developed at the CeOS.

As part of the ‘Harmful Algal Blooms in the BALtic Sea’ (HABBAL)  project, an information leaflet on the risks associated with swimming in the Baltic Sea has been produced at the Center for Ocean and Society. In a clear, concise, and engaging way, the leaflet explains what to do if you come into contact with fire jellyfish, why you might mistake beautiful amber for dangerous remnants of munitions, and what the risk of infection from vibrio bacteria is. Blue-green algae, which are actually cyanobacteria, are also covered. The information material is intended to raise awareness of the risks among bathers and tourists without causing alarm.

The development of the leaflet follows from an extended consultation process involving researchers, public authorities, and tourism organisations. The starting point for these consultations was to assess the need for information on harmful algal blooms. This process highlighted the need for basic information on bathing risks, enabling bathers to better assess their own personal risk, for example of infection with vibrio bacteria or injury from munition remnants. 

The leaflet is being distributed on a trial basis in two selected local communities: the Ostseebad Mönchgut (Mecklenburg-Western Pommerania) and the municipality of Stein (Schleswig-Holstein). An accompanying survey on people’s personal perception of risk will be used to assess whether the information material has the desired effect. Anyone interested can answer the questions on swimming risks in the Baltic Sea and their personal risk assessment, and stand a chance of winning one of four surprise baskets containing regional products. You can take part in the survey either via a QR code on the leaflets or via the following link: https://www.umfragen.uni-kiel.de/922271?lang=de  

The flyer is available to download as a PDF on this page and can also be viewed without visiting the pilot municipalities.

The experiences gained from the pilot communities and the survey will be analysed as the project progresses and will be incorporated into the further development of the materials and measures. 

Download the leaflet: www.badewissen.de