The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) wants people to check its Beach Report forecasting service before swimming to avoid unseen pollutants in the water.
Chief Environmental Scientist at EPA, Andrea Hinwood said the annual Beach Report, back for its 30th summer, would help keep Victorians informed about water quality in Port Phillip Bay until 8 March next year.
“Victorians love their beaches,” Dr Hinwood said.
“They’re great places to visit, but with such complex ecosystems, they can sometimes be home to types of bacteria that pose health risks to swimmers,” she said.
“A common swimmer-related illness is gastroenteritis.”
Dr Hinwood said children, the elderly and people with vulnerable immune systems were at the highest risk of getting ill from water-borne germs.
She said more stringent water quality standards were being applied and would help the EPA ensure that its Beach Report was even more protective of people’s health.
“The best way for beach-goers and Yarra swimmers to avoid illnesses and to safely enjoy the coast and waterways this summer is to follow the advice in EPA’s forecasts,” Dr Hinwood said.
The EPA’s Beach Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
