Check before you swim this summer: latest water quality monitoring of beaches and inland swim spots

Beachgoers right across New South Wales have access to timely information on the water quality of their favourite beaches – so you can ‘check before you swim’.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a wet summer, and as rain is often the cause of temporary lower water quality, swimmers are encouraged to check before they dive in.

In the 2024–25 season, inland swimming spots were added to the Beachwatch site. This means that the very popular Penrith beach will have weekly star ratings starting in the coming weeks.

While 95% of the state’s monitored ocean beaches have excellent water quality, those heading to the beach this summer are encouraged to check the beach daily pollution forecast or latest water quality monitoring results, particularly after heavy rainfall.

In addition to water quality, swimmers can also check historical trends and information on swells and tides on Beachwatch: https://beachwatch.nsw.gov.au/home

The annual State of the Beaches Report provides beach grades compiled from water quality samples collected at sites monitored under Beachwatch and Beachwatch Partnership programs.

The 2023–24 report shows 95% of monitored ocean beaches have excellent water quality, despite significant rainfall events along the NSW coastline, most notably in April 2024.

Overall, NSW swimming spots performed well in the report despite above-average-to-record rainfall events between November 2023 to April 2024.

72% of all monitored Beachwatch sites received either good or very good beach grades, which is steady from the previous year. Estuarine swimming sites are more susceptible to stormwater impacts following rainfall, with more than half graded as good or very good.

The full NSW State of the Beaches 2023-2024 Report is available on the Beachwatch website: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications-search/state-of-the-beaches-2023-2024-statewide-summary

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“NSW beaches and inland swim spots are some of the best in the world. People can check the water quality of monitored swimming sites before they dive in.

“I’m excited that this summer a range of popular inland swimming spots will be added to the Beachwatch water quality site. This site also gives swimmers information about swells and tides.

“Our beaches almost always have high water quality – but after rain the quality can be impacted.

The BOM is predicting a wet summer, so check before you swim as the weather warms up.

Dropbox link: https://bit.ly/4fid65T