Can you swim in Lake Baikal? Though temperatures in the lake chill to minus five degrees Celsius in the winter, researchers found no large patches of floating ice. But, swimmers beware—the lake is 30-miles (48 kilometers) wide and 1550-meters (5088 feet) deep. So, open-water swimming in this environment carries with it many potential dangers.
Located in Siberia, Russia, Lake Baikal is considered to be the world’s deepest lake. By some estimates, it holds twenty percent of the world’s unfrozen fresh water. This is the world’s oldest lake, formed some 25 million years ago. It is also considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
In the summer months, reports say, the lake’s surface temperature can reach a balmy 24 degrees Celsius. This is attractive to swimmers but can also be dangerous. At this angle of the lake’s surface, swimmers can be exposed to the elements and can easily succumb to hypothermia if swimming for a length of time. For this reason, those looking to do any length of swimming are encouraged to take safety and precautionary measures seriously.
Extreme swimming veteran and expert, Stephen Sloan, notes the “notoriety and challenge of swimming in Lake Baikal is impeccable. Swimming here could potentially go beyond worldly recognition as the difficulty of the swim is known by all seasoned swimmers.” Mr. Sloan also notes that while the depth of the lake is substantial, the temperature of the water – even in summer – can make a tremendous impact on any swimmer’s performance level.
Though an extreme swim surely attracts some thrill seekers, the local government discourages swimming in Lake Baikal. The windy weather of the region, along with the exposed environment, can pose a significant set of risks for any adventure seeker. Some of the local towns and cities have designated public beaches that allow swimming, however, public parks and areas do not accommodate swimming in the lake’s waters.
Maior Pollution in the Lake
Lake Baikal is also in danger due to the excessive pollution present in its waters, which increasingly affects the lake’s ecosystem. Many varieties of fish, insects and other flora and fauna show the presence of high concentrations of heavy and non-degradable pollutants, affecting the lake’s life forms in a negative way.
The main pollutants in the lake include residues from industrial plant waste and runoff from agricultural activities. With the passing of time, fertilizer use has augmented the runoff’s damage to Lake Baikal. Among the most notable damage is the appearance of poisonous algal blooms that started appearing in the lake in the 90s. Pollutants enter the lake from both within and outside its watershed, which exacerbates their negative effects.
The governments of the surrounding countries bordering Lake Baikal have taken steps to control and ensure better standards of environmental conditions in the lake. The UN Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage has listed the lake in its World Heritage Sites list. Many local projects to protect and restore the lake’s waters have been launched, but the negative effects of pollution are still in place.
Impacts on Sea Life
The sea life in Lake Baikal is a collection of forms of life specially adapted to the harsh conditions found there. There are more than 10,000 species of unique and endemic flora and fauna in the lake, including the only entirely freshwater seal species in the world, the Baikal seal. Pollution and its associated effects mostly harm the endemic species, which are found solely in Lake Baikal.
Dangerous levels of pollution have been known to cause the death of new-born seals in the lake. Algae blooms and anoxia (absence of oxygen in the water) are also dangers faced by the lake’s inhabitants. According to reports, at extreme moments, algae has caused the water to turn an almost purple color due to the high number of algae blooms.
The future of this lake and its inhabitants depends on the actions of both states and its people. So, avoiding any action that carries negative effects on the lake and its life forms is key to preserving Lake Baikal and ensuring the survival of its life forms.
Communities Around the Lake
The communities around the lake also depend heavily on its health. Fishermen often fish on the lake and the fish they catch is a major component of their diets. But the decrease in oxygen levels due to pollution hinders their abilities to source fish from the lake, leading to a decrease in the availability of this food source. Some have adapted to the changing conditions, but others may suffer from ever-declining fish populations.
Whilst stringent regulations have been put in place to protect the lake’s Basin and its inhabitants, strict implementation of these laws and regulations is key to ensuring better environmental protection from outside sources.
Local residents have also been taking part in cleaning up the lake by doing activities such as gathering and disposing of floating garbage and other organic material. However, these efforts are not enough to keep up with increasing inputs of pollutants, an issue that needs to be adequately addressed to ensure Lake Baikal and its inhabitants’ survival.
A Global Icon
Lake Baikal’s enduring beauty has made it one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Its size and depth make it a landmark renowned worldwide, an icon of Russia and its people.
The lake is a popular destination for visitors to enjoy boats cruises, kayaking, fishing, and scenic tours. It also remains an important point of research for international scientists, who continue to uncover new insights about Lake Baikal, its inhabitants, and its environment.
Many believe that if we are to successfully protect Lake Baikal, we all have a choice to make: to increase our commitment to protecting the lake and its inhabitants, or to ignore its warning signs and allow it to continue on its path of destruction.
Environmental Protection Programs
A number of initiatives and laws aiming to protect the lake and its inhabitants have been put into operation. The most important are the Baikal Basin Preservation Program (BBPP) and the Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Program (BCPP).
The BBPP was created to identify, protect and restore unique habitats, species, and environments in Lake Baikal and its surrounding area. Its main focus is to ensure the sustainable management of the resources, control pollution, and conduct awareness campaigns of the lake’s endangerment.
The BCPP was created to promote the conservation of the lake’s endemic species and promote their adaptation in a changing environment. The program also encourages cooperation among scientists, governments, and local communities to devise conservation strategies, monitor biodiversity, and create national parks and nature reserves to protect the species living in Lake Baikal.
Conclusion
Though temperatures in Lake Baikal may be suitable for swimming, many dangers arise when submerging oneself in this vast and ancient lake. With pollution affecting sea life, increased winds and weather conditions, and local laws not supporting swimming, it may be best to enjoy the lake from its banks. With more environmental protection initiatives put into action and more education and input from the public, we can work together to ensure the future of Lake Baikal and its unique and wonderful inhabitants.
