EPA warns against swimming at Melbourne beaches ahead of New Year’s Eve

SOME of Melbourne’s most popular beaches have been deemed unsafe to swim in the lead up to the New Year. SEE IF YOUR BEACH IS SAFE.

Yesterday's storm has swamped the bay's beaches with pollution leaves and dirt, with Kerferd Rd beach covered in mess. Picture: Stuart MIliigan

• Victoria flash flooding recovery continues

SOME of Melbourne’s most popular beaches have been deemed unsafe to swim in the lead up to the New Year.

Beachgoers were warned off swimming in parts of Port Phillip Bay due to poor water quality after Melbourne was hit with torrential rain and flash flooding on Thursday.

St Kilda, Elwood, Port Melbourne, Black Rock and Carrum were some of the 16 beaches that were not suitable for swimming on Friday, according to the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria.

CHECK THE LATEST BEACH CONDITIONS HERE.

Poor water forecasts were also given to Frankston, Aspendale, Beaumaris, Sandringham, Brighton, South Melbourne, Sandridge, Williamstown, Altona and Werribee South beaches.

On Friday afternoon, the EPA upgraded the condition of those 16 beaches from ‘not suitable for swimming’ to ‘may not be suitable for swimming.’

#BeachReport & #YarraWatch forecast: POOR at 6 Melbourne beaches and along the Yarra. Avoid contact with water. pic.twitter.com/8M8R8zi3AW

— EPA Victoria (@EPA_Victoria) December 29, 2016

EPA Group Manager of Applied Sciences Dr Anthony Boxshall said people should avoid swimming in all waterways and beaches after heavy rainfall to prevent illness for up to 48 hours.

“Heavy rain and storms are can create a risk to the public as they can flood stormwater systems that then carry pollution that has built up in the drains into waterways,” he said.

“In certain conditions they can be home to bacteria from faecal pollution that poses health risks to swimmers.”

Thursday’s storm swamped the bay's beaches with pollution, leaves and dirt. Albert Park beach covered in mess. Picture: Stuart MIliigan

EPA Victoria said the warnings did not mean the beaches would be closed.

Water quality information would be displayed on signs at 28 Life Saving Victoria clubs around the bay tomorrow.

Life Saving Victoria said the lifesavers could close patrolled beaches in the case of a perceived danger to swimmers and beach users, including for pollution events.

In the case of a beach closure, the red and yellow flags will be taken down and a warning sign will be displayed on the beach to alert patrons that swimming is not advised.

EPA Victoria has warned against swimming at Frankston Coast Guard and Life Saving Club beaches. Picture: Jason Sammon.

Beachgoers brave the conditions at Albert Park beach on Friday. Picture: Stuart MIliigan

EPA Victoria’s ‘good’ water quality forecasts equate to suitable swimming conditions, ‘fair’ means beaches may not be suitable while ‘poor’ forecasts advise that beaches are not suitable for swimming.

BEACHES THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SWIMMING

— Frankston Coast Guard

— Frankston Life Saving Club

— Carrum Life Saving Club

— Aspendale Life Saving Club

— Beaumaris

— Black Rock Life Saving Club

— Sandringham

— Brighton Life Saving Club

— Elwood

— St Kilda

— South Melbourne Life Saving Club

— Port Melbourne

— Sandridge

— Williamstown

— Altona

— Werribee South

* Beaches with a fair rating. Source: EPA Victoria.