The island of Gotland is currently grappling with a severe water shortage, prompting regional officials to ask: could a dip in the Baltic Sea be the solution to Gotland’s water shortage? Authorities are now actively encouraging tourists to skip their traditional showers and instead utilize the Baltic Sea for bathing.
This initiative, which aims to preserve the island’s limited water reserves, involves a collaborative effort between Region Gotland and various hotels across the island, according to reports from Aftonbladet. By shifting bathing habits to the sea, officials hope to significantly reduce the pressure on local water supplies during the busy tourist season.
“We are providing free saltwater soap to guests and encouraging them to swim in the sea and wash themselves there instead,” explained Johan Gustafsson, the head of sustainability at Region Gotland. To facilitate this transition, the special saltwater-compatible soap is being made available to visitors at the tourist information centre in Visby, as well as at participating hotel locations throughout the island.
