Lake Werdersee significantly restricted due to waterborne illness outbreak
**Safety Measures Implemented on Lake Werder Due to Water Hyacinth Concerns**
Starting this weekend, a series of safety measures will be enforced on Lake Werder, located near Werder (Havel) in Brandenburg, Germany. The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) has announced a prohibition on all water sports outside the designated bathing area on the lake. This includes the use of canoes, rowboats, inflatable boats, stand-up paddleboards, and any other watercrafts.
The prohibition is a response to the rapid growth of water hyacinth, a floating aquatic plant, in the lake. The plant poses several risks, such as entangling swimmers, obstructing navigation, and potentially hindering rescue efforts by wrapping around boat propellers.
Swimming is currently recommended only within the red buoy line on the north shore of Lake Werder, where the official bathing area has recently been cleared of water hyacinth. The DLRG operates a lifeguard station on the north shore, but they cannot guarantee the safety of bathers outside the designated bathing area.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the local municipality of Werder (Havel) or the Brandenburg State Office for Environment. They may have unpublished guidelines or current advisories regarding Lake Werder’s water quality and recreational safety, especially if water hyacinth is a known issue in the region.
In the absence of Lake Werder–specific guidelines, the following best practices are recommended when water hyacinths or similar invasive plants are present:
1. Avoid swimming in dense plant areas. 2. Monitor for water quality advisories. 3. Use designated swimming areas, if available. 4. Wear protective gear, such as water shoes, to protect against sharp plant debris or hidden objects. 5. Supervise children closely. 6. Report hazards to local authorities.
Until official guidance is published, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts should adhere to these general best practices for lakes with invasive aquatic vegetation. Emergency services from the police and fire department may not always be able to help due to the water hyacinth.
The sudden surge of water hyacinth in Lake Werder has led to an increased focus on health-and-wellness and environmental-science issues, as the plant poses risks to both human health and the lake's overall ecosystem. Furthermore, the prohibition on water sports on Lake Werder has expanded the scope of discussion to include fitness-and-exercise and science, as boating and swimming are often considered forms of exercise that promote physical well-being.
