Keeping safe this summer

SOUTH Australians will be able to access daily reports on algal bloom conditions at popular beaches through Surf Life Saving’s Beachsafe app – backed by record Surf Life Saving beach patrols – as part of the State and Federal Government’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan.

The free app, and companion website Beachsafe.org.au, will provide South Australians with easy-to-understand information to help them make informed decisions about how best to enjoy the beach.

Members of the State Government’s beach clean-up crews will conduct visual algal bloom inspections at 23 locations across the metropolitan and southern coast each morning – starting at North Haven all the way down to Goolwa.

Based on these inspections, the Beachsafe app and website will let the public know three clear pieces of information:

• If the beach is clear of abnormal foam

• If the water is discoloured or not

• What time the beach was last cleaned

Each report will include a fresh picture of the beach, including a view of the water, to provide South Australians with more information on local algal bloom conditions.

The Beachsafe app will be backed by a record deployment of Surf Life Saving beach patrols – also funded by the State and Federal Governments – with eight popular beaches having seven-day ‘Between the Flags’ Surf Life Saving patrols all the way through summer.

The Beachsafe app and daily patrols will provide the community with even more confidence to visit the beach and the Beachsafe reports will be expanded from the initial 23 sites to include more regional beaches ahead of summer and the school holidays.

Regular beach activities are continuing throughout summer, including the iconic nippers program, Vacswim, community surf rescue courses, CALD water safety programs, surf babies and surf education.

The consistent advice from SA Health is that South Australian beaches can still be enjoyed but it is best to stay away from foamy or discoloured water, which may cause irritation.