St. Petersburg is gearing up for the summer beach season with increased safety measures, ongoing improvements, and water quality monitoring. While numerous beaches are officially open, only a select few currently meet safety standards for swimming.

Authorities emphasize that swimming is only permitted in designated areas, with violators facing warnings or fines up to 1,500 rubles. The St. Petersburg EMERCOM, along with the police, conduct regular patrols to enforce these regulations, particularly in popular but unauthorized swimming spots.

Water quality remains a primary concern. Rospotrebnadzor conducts weekly monitoring, and currently, only three beaches – Bezymyannoye Lake, First Suzdal Lake, and Olginsky Pond – are deemed safe for swimming. Swimming in water that doesn’t meet standards poses a risk of various infections.

The city is also focused on enhancing beach safety. Sixteen rescue stations with 345 professional rescuers will be on duty. Additionally, volunteer rescuers will be stationed on the beaches. Last season, rescuers saved 185 people. Officials urge caution with jet skis and small vessels, prohibiting their operation in swimming areas. Leaving children unattended on beaches is strongly discouraged.

Beach improvements are also underway, particularly in the Kurortny district. The city is working to upgrade all 14 beaches, with projects ranging from minor renovations to complete redevelopments. Efforts include adding high-quality sand, improving toilet facilities, and providing accessibility for people with disabilities. Depth charts are compiled annually to inform visitors of water conditions.

The swimming season’s start has been delayed due to the weather. Forecasters anticipate warmer temperatures by mid-June, but several days of hot, sunny weather are needed to heat the water. Despite the delayed start, abnormally high average temperatures are expected throughout the summer.

Certain beaches, including Komarovsky, Dubkovsky, and Detsky, are temporarily closed for improvements and are scheduled to reopen on August 1st. Recreation areas are planned to be equipped with video cameras and, ideally, security to prevent accidents and vandalism.