Swimmers Urged to Stay Off Sydney Beaches Due To Contamination Risk & Shark Activity
Image: Photo: Beachwatch.
Swimmers are being urged to avoid multiple Sydney beaches following heavy rainfall this week, which has raised concerns over water quality, potential contamination, and heightened shark activity.
The downpours come amid growing concerns that the La Niña weather pattern could return for the fourth time in five years, bringing more rain to Australia in early 2025.
Beachwatch NSW, which monitors water quality across the state, has flagged several Sydney beaches and baths as potentially contaminated.
According to their online map, a number of these locations have been classified as either “possible” or “likely” to be affected by pollutants, following the recent downpours.
Sydney beaches and baths flagged for potential contamination
Several beaches and baths across Sydney have been flagged for elevated levels of pollutants and are deemed unfit for swimming. Some of the affected areas include:
- Avoca Beach
- North Avoca Beach
- Terrigal Beach
- Balmoral Baths
- Barrenjoey Beach
- Brighton Le Sands Baths
- Bronte Beach
- Clifton Gardens
- Clontarf Pool
- Dawn Fraser Pool
- Greenwich Baths
- Gunnamatta Bay Baths
- Oatley Bay Baths
Swimmers are advised to avoid these areas until water quality improves.
While many popular beaches across the city remain open, experts advise caution, especially in areas where the water may be more heavily impacted by runoff.
Regular monitoring will continue, and updates on water quality are being provided by Beachwatch NSW to ensure the public’s safety.
Beachgoers are encouraged to check the latest water quality reports and follow any safety warnings posted by local councils.
Contamination at Tower Beach
One Sydney beach near Sydney Airport has been quietly closed to swimming and fishing due to concerns over contamination from cancer-causing “forever chemicals.”
The contamination stems from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals known for their persistence in the environment. These “forever chemicals” are linked to cancer, high cholesterol, and immune system dysfunction.
The signage has been criticised for failing to clearly convey the dangers posed by PFAS contamination, particularly at the southern end of the Botany Aquifer, a known hotspot beneath Botany Bay.
It’s also bull shark season in Sydney Harbour
This is also the season for bull sharks, and experts are warning that bull shark activity may be higher in Sydney Harbour after the heavy rain.
“They tend to be in our surroundings waters in summer and leave around April to May,” Dr Martino told MSN. “Bull sharks are most likely active when the water temperature is warm and after high rainfall or floods.”
“Ultimately, it’s wise to stay away from the water for a bit after rain because the risk of E.coli and bull sharks is not worth the risk.”
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