Bathing season 2025 is open! Check where you can safely enjoy the water

You don’t have to wait until the summer holidays to take a dip in a lake or the sea. If the weather is good, the long June weekend is a great opportunity. The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) has already begun testing water quality at popular bathing sites – and we have the first results. Where can you swim safely – on the Baltic coast, in the lake districts, or perhaps near the city?

Where to go by the sea?

Excellent water quality has been confirmed in Międzyzdroje – GIS has approved the bathing area located about one kilometre west of the pier. Equally good conditions can be found in Międzywodzie, Dziwnów and Łukęcin. In Dziwnówek, swimming is allowed, although the water quality is rated only as sufficient.

Tourists heading to beaches in the Pomeranian Voivodeship have access to GIS-approved bathing areas in Ustka (water quality: sufficient), Jastrzębia Góra, and Sopot – Łazienki Południowe (both rated as having excellent water quality).

Bathing season in the lake districts

Lovers of lakeside relaxation can choose from several bathing areas approved by GIS.

In the Kashubian region, you can swim at OW Kaszubski Bór in Somin, Lake Radolne in Czarlina, and the municipal bathing area in Wdzydze on Lake Jelenie. The latter two locations have been rated with excellent water quality.

Tests have also been conducted in lakes of Warmia and Masuria – all show excellent conditions for swimming. This includes Lake Bartężek in Tarda (Western Masuria), the municipal bathing area in Wielochowo near Lidzbark Warmiński, Słoneczny Brzeg in Rukławki, Lake Mikołajskie in Mikołajki, Lake Czos in Mrągowo, and bathing areas 1 and 2 in Ełk.

Those planning a trip to western Poland can visit the city beach in Chełmża (Chełmno Lake District), Lake Piaszczyste and Płotki in Piła, Lake Duże in Lubasz (Greater Poland Lake District), Lake Żerdno in Stare Drawsko, and the bathing area in Stare Kaleńsko (Drawsko Lake District).

Recommended bathing areas for a trip out of town

To enjoy the beach and swimming, you often don’t need to travel far. Near most large cities (and often within them), there are bathing sites approved by GIS.

In Warsaw, there is one body of water already open for swimming – Jeziorko Czerniakowskie. Residents of the capital also have several bathing options within a few dozen kilometres. This season, safe bathing will be possible at sites including Kąck (Wiązowna commune), the Wild Beach in Nieporęt, and the Żyrardów Reservoir.

In Silesia, it’s worth visiting the artificial reservoir at the MOSiR centre in Rybnik – Kamień or the beach at Sosina in Jaworzno. Both sites have been marked by GIS as having excellent water quality. You can also swim in Katowice – in the Valley of Three Ponds and at Morawa.

Around Kraków, GIS has approved two bathing sites: in Przylasek Rusiecki and Bobrowe Rozlewisko in Zabierzów Bocheński. Wrocław residents can enjoy bathing in Siechnica, at Morskie Oko and Glinianki, and just outside the city – in Wały near Brzeg Dolny.

Residents of Poznań are in a particularly convenient position. Several bathing areas have been approved within the city: the beach in Krzyżowniki and Kiekrz on Lake Kierskie, Strzeszynek on Lake Strzeszyńskie, and Rusałka (though here the water quality is only sufficient). Those seeking to escape the urban hustle and bustle can head to nearby Tropicana in Owińska or a bit further, to Giewartów on Lake Powidzkie.

Currently, due to poor water quality, three bodies of water are closed: the inland bathing area Dąbie near Szczecin and two sites in Łódź: Arturówek and Stawy Jana. However, the situation may change as the season progresses. It’s worth checking the latest updates on the GIS website.

A total of 711 bathing areas across Poland are under the supervision of GIS. These include sites designated by municipal councils with established swimming zones and lifeguard supervision. Water testing is conducted regularly, several times during the bathing season, to prevent hazards related to cyanobacteria, golden algae, or E. coli bacteria.