With summer holidays approaching, those that are close to the coast may be planning a swimming day soon! To connect the fun to the interesting, we have chosen a Map of the Week on the state of bathing waters!
What is the state of bathing waters all about? Bathing waters in Europe are monitored each year by the European Environment Agency. [1] As can be seen in the map, European bathing waters are classified into four categories:
- ‘excellent’;
- ‘good’;
- ‘sufficient’;
- ‘poor’.
These categories are assigned based on levels of faecal bacteria (intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli), but also take into account pollution by other organisms (macro algae and marine phytoplankton) and waste (tarry residues, glass, plastic, rubber or other). [2]
Good news, over the last four decades the water quality has improved significantly! Looking at the average water quality last year, in 2024, 85% of the monitored sites had excellent water quality, and 1.6% had a poor water quality. In total, 96% of all assessed water bodies met the minimum water quality standards! Generally speaking, coastal waters do better than inland waters. [1]
What has led to improved quality of European bathing waters over the years? The main legislative initiative is the Bathing Water Directive. [3] The Directive relies on scientific evidence for implementing parameters to predict microbiological health risk. [2] It is also coordinated with other European legislation such as on water policy, pollution from agriculture and urban waste-water treatment. [2]
Thanks to the Directive, European Union (EU) Member States have to provide information and take action when bathing waters are found to have poor water quality. In addition to the lifeguards, we can thus thank all scientists, policy makers, the monitoring work force and communicators who are making sure that we can go for a safe and, hopefully, refreshing swim!
Have a look at the map and zoom in to your region to learn about bathing waters close to you! You can also browse the factsheets of the European Environment Agency to learn more about your country’s situation.
Swimming is good for your memory, cognitive functions, mood and immune system. [4] The World Health Organisation highlights the importance of physical activity.
Before going for a swim, make sure to always check the local instructions and guidelines to ensure your safety. Learn how to minimise risks and find out about World Drowning Prevention Day 2025. Check where and when swimming is allowed and read the information boards onsite which are updated by the lifeguards to learn about local conditions. There are some things to bear in mind when one goes for a swim in open waters. Here are a few tips. [5]
- The conditions at sea may change, so better to check the weather forecast and tides and be prepared to change your plan if needed.
- By choosing a lifeguarded beach and staying within the annotated swimming zone, you can receive help in case something goes wrong.
- It is better to go with a buddy rather than alone, as you can look out for each other (and double the fun).
- In some places the water may be cold, you may want to give your body some time to adjust to the temperature, or even bring a wetsuit to keep you warm.
- In the case that something goes wrong, lifeguards may spot you more rapidly if you wear something bright or have a safety whistle with you.
- By choosing a reference point on the beach you can make sure you are able to return to your planned exit point.
- When feeling tired, you can take a rest by rolling on your back or holding on to a floaty.
- Rip currents can be tricky, so make sure you are informed on how to spot a rip current. If you end up in a rip current, it is advised to swim parallel to the beach, or wade when possible, rather than swimming against it. Next, you can head to the shore.
Remember our Map of the Week on marine litter? As you may recall, the EUBeachCleanup 2025 campaign is an initiative for a clean and plastic-free ocean. The campaign runs from 3 June to 21 October 2025, and you can participate by joining an event or creating one! We can all contribute to a clean ocean by taking our litter with us, and discarding it in the appropriate bin. Let’s keep our beaches and the ocean litter-free so we can better enjoy our time at the beach!
Are you a teacher looking for games to play in the classroom as the end of the school year approaches? Are you on holiday at the seaside and wondering about marine species? The European Atlas of the Seas Team has developed a great game for you, the Hide and Seek Game on marine biodiversity! The Atlas’ technical team has hidden five marine species in a map. Will you find them? If you are a teacher, take this opportunity to help students learn about marine biodiversity. With the Teachers’ Guide now available in the Teachers’ Corner, you have all the information you need for a fun time with your students!
Lastly, we would like to congratulate all teachers and students for their hard work in the past school year! Have a nice and safe summer!
The data in the map is provided by EMODnet.
[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02006L0007-20140101
[3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/bathing-water_en