Only 20 Beaches Approved as Safe for 2026 Summer in Leningrad Oblastı

For the 2026 summer season, authorities in Russia's Leningrad Oblastı have approved only 20 specially prepared and officially swimmable areas. Regional Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko explained the reasons behind this restriction during a live-streamed event. Drozdenko specifically highlighted the Priozersk district in particular, noting that it stands out for its density of equipped beaches. Among the approved water bodies are popular destinations such as the Ottradnoye, Suhodolskoye, and Razdolinskoye lakes. It was stated that this restricted list was created as a result of a meticulous evaluation process aimed at safeguarding the health and lives of citizens.

The Governor stated that two separate and important lists form the basis of the process for determining safe swimming areas. The first of these lists is prepared by the GİMS Center under the Leningrad Oblastı Ministry of Emergency Situations (MÇS) and includes locations that are physically equipped for swimming. The second list is published by the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection (Rospotrebnadzor); this list features beaches where the water quality has been analyzed and which comply with sanitation standards. According to Drozdenko's statements, the number of beaches with tested water and found to be hygienically suitable is currently only eight. All eight of these beaches are located in the Priozersk district, which is a pioneer in the region's beach infrastructure.

Authorities are warning the public that no lake shore or coastline should be automatically considered a safe beach. In order for an area to be officially opened for swimming, it is mandatory to complete a comprehensive preparation process. This process includes a detailed examination of the lake or sea bottom, the clearing of the coastline from hazardous waste and obstacles, and the overall organization of the area. Additionally, there is an obligation to assign professional lifeguards to these areas to ensure the safety of citizens and to keep them on duty throughout the day. All these infrastructural works are strictly inspected to minimize potential risks and prevent drowning incidents.

Governor Drozdenko made an urgent appeal to regional residents to spend time only in these equipped and approved areas, emphasizing that water safety rules must be strictly followed. Drawing attention to the deadly dangers of swimming in old mines and quarries, he requested that people absolutely stay away from such areas. Statistics shared by authorities show that drowning incidents occurring in artificial or abandoned quarries are significantly higher compared to natural waters. Therefore, it was once again reminded that entering these hidden sources of danger, which lack safety standards, carries a great risk. It is critically important for the public to heed these warnings to prevent tragic accidents during the summer months.

On the other hand, the situation in the neighboring city of Sankt Petersburg presents a much more restrictive and concerning picture compared to Leningrad Oblastı. As a result of the most recent analyses conducted by Rospotrebnadzor on water samples, it was determined that only a single point across the city is sufficiently safe for swimming. 1. Suzdal Gölü (Üst Göl), the only approved area in the city, has been successfully adapted to all hygienic norms and stands out from all other water bodies. In Leningrad Oblastı, however, specific beaches at the Ratnoye, Snetkovskoye, Miçurinskoye, and Petrovskoye lakes, as well as the Burnaya and Vuoksa rivers, are on the safe list as of 2 Temmuz. Health authorities strongly advise all citizens not to swim in any area where the water does not meet suitable standards, or that is untested or unapproved.