The Finnish deputy ombudsman, Mikko Sarja, has pointed out that the city of Vantaa failed to communicate in Swedish at its swimming beaches, contrary to the requirements set by the language law. Vantaa, which is a bilingual city, has been criticized for its lack of compliance with this legal obligation. The ombudsman’s decision stems from a complaint where a citizen noted that public announcements at these beaches were only made in Finnish and English, disregarding Swedish language needs.

In response to these complaints, the city of Vantaa has pledged to improve its communication by including Swedish alongside Finnish and English at its swimming facilities. The deputy ombudsman clarified that the use of English in public communications does not exempt the city from its duty to utilize both national languages, and this has been a recurring issue for Vantaa. The decision serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the Finnish language law, which seeks to ensure equal treatment of both Finnish and Swedish speakers.

This incident raises broader implications about language rights and the responsibility of municipalities in Finland, particularly in areas where both Finnish and Swedish are spoken. The city's commitment to enhancing multilingual communication could foster better inclusivity and adherence to the legal framework designed to protect linguistic minorities. The situation indicates ongoing efforts to align municipal practices with legal standards governing both languages, thus reflecting the values of a bilingual society.