Hollola water park stayed open despite blue-green algae warnings

A water obstacle course in Hollola remained open last week despite health authorities advising against swimming due to blue-green algae, as the algae stayed near the shore and did not affect the attraction.

Mikko Tirronen, who operates the Wibit water park and a beach trampoline park at Messilä beach, said the algae was mainly concentrated on the shore, not where the water park is located further out in the lake. He noted that customers were informed of the health authority’s advisory, and one customer requested a refund due to the algae warning, which was granted.

Health protection engineer Sanna Kousa of the Päijät-Häme Environmental Health Authority confirmed that the beach was not closed, and the advisory was not a ban. “It’s a recommendation, not a prohibition. Since the beach is not closed, activities are not banned either,” Kousa said.

New samples taken on Wednesday showed no blue-green algae at Messilä beach, and the swimming advisory was lifted. However, authorities noted that algae can disappear quickly due to wind, but recommendations remain in place until new samples are taken.

Päivi Saarela, who runs Messilä Camping, said weather has the biggest impact on visitor numbers. “The sun is our marketing manager. As soon as the sun came out today, the parking lot started filling up,” she said.

Blue-green algae warnings remain in effect at other beaches in Päijät-Häme, including Heinola’s Kotajärvi beach, where swimming is still not recommended. New water samples will be taken next week. Authorities continue to monitor beaches across the region, with nationwide algae levels tracked weekly at around 300 observation points.