By Emma Kirk
NSW Beachwatch has issued a number of warnings during the week to alert swimmers that beaches from Woonoona to Narrabeen had been impacted by stormwater pollution, after the extreme weather system smashed parts of the state’s coastline.
Beachgoers have been told to avoid swimming if there were any signs of pollution, discoloured water or floating debris, and to check with lifeguards before entering the water.
“Due to extreme wet weather, stormwater pollution may be affecting this site,” the warnings read.
“Always check for signs of pollution such as flowing drains, open lagoons, discoloured water, odours, litter and debris in the water before swimming.”
Sites included popular swimming spots at Bulli, Port Hacking, Botany Bay, Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches including Gymea Bay Baths, Foreshores Beach, Rose Bay and the Narrabeen Lagoon.
Authorities advised the beaches were unsuitable for swimming.
The City of Wollongong urged residents to take care around its coastal areas and closed The Continental and Port Kembla pools during the rough weather conditions.
“Thanks to the stormwater runoff potentially impacting water quality, we don’t recommend a beach or rockpool swim at this time,” a city spokesman said on social media.
“Our ocean rock pools will be inspected as sea conditions improve for debris, sand and other materials that may have been washed in. “
The foreshore precinct around Cronulla was also closed during the week as wild seas battered the coastline causing erosion and dangerous conditions.
Earlier this year swimmers were told to avoid dozens of Sydney beaches over pollution concerns following severe thunderstorms.