Lake Úhorná in Smolník, eastern Slovakia. (source: TASR)
Eager swimmers and sunbathers have tested plenty of lakes, gravel pits and other wild swimming spots around Slovakia in recent weeks due to the scorching sun.
The swimming season in the country kicked off on June 15 and will end in three months, on September 15.
During this time, the regional offices of the Public Health Authority will oversee if the operators of outdoor swimming pools and lakes (organised recreation) check the water quality. The authority itself will check the quality in wild swimming spots that have no operator, which is why they are described as unorganised recreation.
More than 80 lakes, dams and gravel pits will be monitored this season.
The authority added that it will check the water quality every fortnight, and that less popular spots may be controlled less frequently.
In the map below, The Slovak Spectator localises the most popular wild swimming spots with organised and unorganised recreation among people in Slovakia. These traditionally have a good quality of water.
Based on the latest information from the Public Health Authority, The Slovak Spectator will update the map on a regular basis throughout the summer.
Swimming in the Ružiná reservoir, southern Slovakia, is not recommended in 2023 due to the lack of water.
The Ružiná reservoir near Divín, southern Slovakia, on June 15, 2023. It is filled at 36 percent. (source: TASR)
