2. Why care for bathing waters?

Few things are as enjoyable as going for a swim on a hot day. Submerging into crystal clear water is something we do for leisure, sport, personal hygiene and health. Europe has a great diversity of beautiful beaches and bathing areas. Each year millions of Europeans spend their afternoons, weekends and holidays at the beach chilling and cooling off by the water (EEA, 2018).

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Bathing has a long and rich history in Europe. Although the myths of the ancient civilisations of eastern Mediterranean show an inclination of Europeans towards water and swimming, from the medieval period to the 19th century the majority of Western Europeans did not swim. The population relearned to swim in schools, spas and barracks during the Enlightenment and mass-participation swimming only took off in the 19th century. In that period, the development of the railways gave millions of city residents access to seaside resorts, and a specific act on baths and washhouses enabled English municipalities to build in-ground, heated pools in deprived urban areas. From then, the popularity of bathing grew, and today millions swim for fitness and leisure in pools, and take waterside holidays throughout the year (Chaline, 2018).

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Bathing can have numerous positive effects on physical human health and psychology. It can improve cardiac and vessel functions, blood circulation, lung capacity and oxygen intake (Koopman, 2019). Swimming can also help with the mental tensions and anxieties caused by everyday stress (Kjendlie, et al., 2010). Stretching and moving in water has been shown to put low stress on the joints, muscles and bones, but is very effective in providing an adequate workout through resistance. There is also less chance of injury for people who are at risk of falls, which makes aquatic exercise ideal for the elderly. Chronic fatigue syndrome and some fertility issues can be assisted by bathing in colder temperatures. Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels of serotonin – the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well-being (Koopman, 2019). Swimming is consistently rated among the top public recreational activities in Europe. It is the physical activity recommended in more than 80% of appropriate medical cases (Petrescu, et al., 2014). It is also one of the most studied sports within the Sport Sciences research community (Kjendlie, et al., 2010) and is, at least in countries with abundant surface waters and suitable bathing water quality, one of the most accessible recreational outdoor activities.

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Since bathing water quality has a big impact on the public health, it is very important that bathing waters are clean and safe to swim in, and that any potential hazards to the health of bathers are minimised as far as possible.

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