Algae threat

Austinmer beach closed

FOR the second time in a week Thirroul and Austinmer beaches were closed to swimmers on Tuesday due to an algal bloom.

Following advice from various government agencies, including Beach Watch, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources, Wollongong City Council closed the popular northern suburbs beaches in the morning.

Over 200 swimmers were prevented from cooling off at Austinmer and Thirroul beaches last Friday after an algal bloom drifted south from Sydney.

The two popular beaches were closed after swimmers complained of skin irritations and earaches local lifeguards reported.

Authorities discovered the non-toxic algal bloom, known as noctiluca scintillans, had drifted south from Sydney, where it had already closed several beaches, in strong north-easterly winds. It was the first occurrence of the high level ammonia algae reported in Wollongong's northern beaches.

The bloom was also reported at nearby unpatrolled South Thirroul Beach.

Austinmer lifeguard Tim Jennett said the beach was closed at 10am on Friday after large patches of black' water were reported.

After the Environment Protection Authority confirmed the algal bloom, the beach was immediately closed, he said.

The two beaches were reopened over the weekend allowing hoards of swimmers and visitors to escape the high temperatures.