If you want to jump into the water away from outdoor or indoor pools gets that possibility in Schwalmtal. The Heidweiher (mere) is right now the only official swimming lake in the district Viersen.
Refreshing water can be enjoyed by visitors to the Heidweiher 1 without any hesitation. 'Our lab-tests are without result', says Martina Kruß, manager of the health authority district Viersen. The water quality is analysed by experts in the Kreishaus every four weeks.
Summer temperatures especially hold a risk: Algae grows and can release toxins. Martina Kruß' rule of thumb: 'If the water level is knee-deep bathers should still be able to still see the bottom.'
Crystal clear water or idyllic banks of other lakes in the district area like the Venekoten Lake in Brüggen or the Harik Lake between Schwalmtal and Niederküchten also seem attractive to bathers. But beware: Algae and climbers can become dangerous traps. Without lido and bath attendant the safety of the bathers can't be ensured. There, swimming is prohibited.
The district health authority Viersen is using it for its lakes quality samples the same EU-standards as the State Environmental Agency. NRW checks regularly the water quality of the larger swimming lakes like the Fühlinger Lake in Cologne - and issues on its Internet page lots of blue cards this year. That means: Jumping into the water here can be done without any hesitation.
However this means in principle: If you enter natural water bodies you expose yourself to danger. 'This is something the bathers have to keep in mind', says Martina Kruß. Especially children overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers.