Lifesaving Victoria shuts beaches as smoke haze engulfs Melbourne
Beaches across the state, including popular St Kilda Beach, have been closed due to poor air quality as a dense smoke haze continues to engulf Melbourne.
Inner South
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Beaches across the state have been closed amid air and water quality concerns as a thick blanket of haze covers Melbourne.
St Kilda Beach is among the beaches to be closed, with lifeguards turning people away from the water as the temperature hit 29C.
It comes as the air quality in Melbourne last night was rated the worst in the world.
The Environment Protection Authority has rated water quality at several bay beaches, including St Kilda, Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and Sandridge, as ‘fair’ and advised swimming there “may be unsuitable”.
Life Saving Victoria lifesaving operations manager Liam Krige said the beaches had been closed due to poor air quality and visibility.
“Beaches may close for a number of reasons but always with the safety of the public in mind, and typically the closures are only temporary,” he said.
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Patrolled beaches at Frankston, Williamstown and Altona, as well as Cape Schanck, Gunnamatta, Ocean Grove, Fairhaven, Torquay, Anglesea and Queenscliff.
All beach closures are listed on the VicEmergency website and app.
Mr Krige said beaches would reopen in coming days, depending on conditions.
Red and yellow flags have been taken down and warnings signs are in place advising beachgoers that swimming is not advised.
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