Surf Beach in Kiama rated poor as bacteria spikes after rain
Surf Beach in Kiama is the only Illawarra beach rated poor. It has unsafe bacteria in most samples taken after rain.
The State of the Beaches report shows Surf Beach in Kiama is rated poor due to enterococci bacteria from stormwater runoff. In dry weather the beach is safe to swim 90% of the time.
After rainfall, that drops to 51%, meaning it is unsafe almost half the time after rain. Enterococci are bacteria that live in human and animal stomachs.
They suggest contamination from waste in drains. Stormwater pollution can be detected up to three days after rainfall.
It takes time to spread through the water. Other Illawarra beaches from Stanwell Park to Gerroa mostly scored very good or good ratings.
- 90 per cent of tests
- Safe swimming dry weather
- 51 per cent of tests
- Safe swimming after rain
- up to 3 days
- Pollution detection window
- 1 only
- Poor-rated beaches in region
Why it mattersSwimmers in the region should check conditions carefully after rain to avoid getting sick from bacteria.
AustraliaBeachgoers in the Illawarra must time their swims to avoid unsafe water quality at a popular local spot.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 21 h ago
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