The local health authority evaluating maritime pollution confirmed that 85 locations suitable for swimming in Istanbul were clean, giving the green light to swimmers as the summer kicks off with rapidly rising temperatures.

Abdullah Emre Güner, head of Istanbul Public Health Directorate, urged the public not to swim outside the designated areas for swimming and called on them to check their website for pollution levels on the beaches. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Güner said they were monitoring beaches for pollution throughout the swimming season. He noted that 85 locations were also the total number of swimming venues designated by authorities for the public. Güner added that they take samples from the beaches once every fifteen days to test for pollution.

He said that they were being meticulous in examining maritime pollution as they take samples during rainy, windy and cloudy days, which all affect the quality of the water. Efforts to keep the sea cleaner by local authorities and nongovernmental organizations has played a role in making beaches a favorite destination for locals.