Several beaches to remain closed after a week of torrential rain and floods
Many beaches across NSW are expected to remain closed this weekend due to polluted and hazardous water after a week of torrential rain and floods.
“There is a lot of unknown and potentially hazardous debris floating in the ocean and below the surface as well as pollutants, sewage and chemical runoff that have now made their way to the beaches,” said Surf Lifesaving NSW director of lifesaving Joel Wiseman.
“Even if the water looks clear it may not be safe.”
“Many beaches will be closed this weekend but if people are going to swim we’re advising them to swim between the flags as always and make sure they thoroughly wash off after getting out of the water.”
SLSNSW advises that the public should be extra cautious swimming at beaches that are in close proximity to lagoons, river mouths or waterway runoffs.
The Far North Coast is mostly unscathed, with only Ballina Lighthouse closed due to pollution.
The North Coast from South West Rocks to the Upper Hunter at Fingal Beach remain closed due to pollution.
A few of the Hunter services including Birubi, Nobbys, Newcastle, Cooks Hill, Merewether, Redhead and Swansea Belmont are open. However Dixon Park is closed.
The entire of the Central Coast is closed as well as part of the Northern Beaches.
North Curl Curl to the Far South Coast is open except for South Curl Curl, Tamarama and North Cronulla.
SLSNSW advised yesterday Yamba beach on the far north coast will remain closed due to ground instability.
All beaches on the state’s Mid North and Lower North coast will most likely remain closed for the weekend.
People are advised not to enter the water due to severe flooding in the region.
Clubs and lifeguards are assessing the conditions on a beach by beach basis.
No beaches today have been closed due to surf conditions.
Port Macquarie Lifeguard Supervisor James Turnham said “water visibility is still zero” in the region.
“Hastings Council are working hard to clear debris from our beaches but there is still so much large and dangerous debris still coming out of the river systems including sewageand water contamination,” Mr Turnham said.
Surf Life Saving NSW advises the public to check beachsafe.org.au or local council websites before heading to the beach this weekend.
