Swimming season is here – lifeguards on duty at beaches from next week

Water quality of beaches monitored regularly

This coming summer, there will be 26 public beaches in Helsinki. Water samples will be taken regularly from the beaches throughout the summer to monitor the hygienic quality of the water by testing the samples for faecal bacteria. In addition to this, the City will measure water temperatures and monitor the amounts of blue-green algae at the beaches.

Water quality at the beaches along the Vantaa River (Pikkukoski, Pakila and Tapaninvainio beaces) has been observed to temporarily decline during heavy rain, and swimming at the Vantaa River beaches is not recommended at such times. Rains over the catchment area of the Vantaa River affect the water quality of the beaches along the river for 3–5 days on average. Similar swimming restrictions have also been in place on the beaches of the Vantaa River in previous summers.

Water quality at Marjaniemi beach has been found to be compromised by factors such as stormwater run-off, which is why the stormwater management in the beach area will be improved. The stormwater drains on the beach will be removed and the stormwater will be redirected.

The City of Helsinki will be closely monitoring popular beaches where stormwater from the city area may affect the hygienic quality of the swimming water. Intensified sampling will be carried out at Pikkukoski, Marjaniemi, Rastila, Aurinkolahti, Hietaranta, Lauttasaari and Munkkiniemi beaches during summer 2026.

Lifeguards on duty at large public beaches from 1 June to 9 August

This summer, 48 lifeguards will be working at Helsinki's beaches, more than ever before. Despite the presence of the lifeguards, children at the beaches are always under the responsibility of their guardians. 

When arriving at a beach, visitors should consult the beach information board for the beach depth profile and any potential sudden drops in the depth, as well as for other important information. The lifeguards will also provide guidance and help if needed. 

The latest water quality results can be found on the beach noticeboards and the ulkoliikunta.fi website.

The accessibility of Aurinkolahti beach has been improved for the coming summer, and wheelchair users can now access the water from the beach carpark, via the changing rooms and the wheelchair access mat. Water wheelchairs are also available for loan at Aurinkolahti and Hietaranta beaches daily during the lifeguards' working hours: 10.00–20.00.

Non-motorised water traffic routes have also been designated along the edges of the beaches where lifeguards are on duty. People can land on these beaches with SUP boards, rowing boats, kayaks, etc.