The lifeguard season at Espoo's beaches starts on 4 June – water quality is monitored regularly

There are more than 30 beaches in the Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Kauniainen area. These beaches offer a perfect setting for fun-filled summer days, as the quality of the bathing water has been good. Last summer, bacterial concentrations in the water remained within permissible limits at all beaches. In addition, less blue-green algae was detected than in previous years.

• Kivenlahti beach, 10:00–20:00
• Klobben beach (Soukka), 10:00–20:00
• Hanikka beach (Suinonsalmi), 10:00–18:00
• Matinkylä beach, 10:00–20:00
• Haukilahti beach, 10:00–20:00
• Westend beach, 10:00–18:00
• Oittaa beach, 10:00–20:00
• Laaksolahti beach, 10:00–18:00

Espoo Region Environmental Health Services regularly checks beaches and monitors bathing water quality during the summer on the beaches of Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Kauniainen.

Three samples are taken at the small beaches and five samples at the larger beaches (so-called EU beaches) during the summer. The samples are analysed for faecal bacteria, and the presence of blue-green algae is also examined when collecting the samples. More samples will be taken from the Myllyjärvi swimming area (southern) in Espoo this summer than before, as the beach changes from small to large due to the large number of visitors.

The results of the water samples and information on the blue-green algae situation in Espoo and Kirkkonummi can be found on the Bathing water sampling results in Espoo and Kauniainen web page and on the Bathing water sampling results in Kirkkonummi web page. Check the ulkoliikunta.fi(external link, opens in a new window) website for more information on the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and water temperatures. New results are available on the website for one day.

Blue-green algae is often found at some beaches in Espoo and Kirkkonummi. The algae can be harmful to health. Young children especially should not swim in the water if blue-green algae is present. Some blue-green algae may produce liver toxins or neurotoxins. Blue-green algae may also cause nausea and eye, nose or lung symptoms.

The blue-green algae situation at a beach may change rapidly, so it is important to visually assess the situation before entering the water. Here are two tips for identifying blue-green algae:

1. Stick test: Take a stick and try to pick up some algae. If the algae hangs from your stick, it is not blue-green algae. If the algae disintegrates into particles, it usually is blue-green algae.
2. Glass test: Take some bathing water into a glass and let it sit for a while. If green particles appear on the surface of the water, it is blue-green algae.

It is important to take care of hygiene at the beach, as swimmers’ behaviour has a significant impact on water quality. Please follow these instructions to help maintain good bathing water quality.

• Only visit the beach in good health. If you have been ill with diarrhoea or vomiting, you should avoid swimming for approximately two weeks.
• Take care of personal hygiene.
• Use the showers and toilets available at the beach.
• Do not change your baby’s diaper or wash their bottom in the bathing water.
• Do not swallow bathing water.

• Supervised beaches in Espoo 
• Unsupervised swimming areas in Espoo 
• Beaches in Kirkkonummi(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)