Beaches closed after surfers ‘infected’ and sea creatures killed
Sea creatures have washed up dead in a foamy 'algal bloom' in South Australia. Photo: Facebook/Anthony Rowland
Two foam-covered beaches have been closed after surfers complained of coughing and skin irritation, and rare sea creatures washed ashore.
South Australia’s Waitpinga and Parsons beaches, on the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide, are closed until Friday for public safety reasons, with authorities blaming an “algal bloom”.
A thick and dirty-coloured foam has been blanketing the waves and sand, with people complaining about becoming “infected”.
One local surfer, Anthony Rowland, posted a warning on Facebook that “100 surfers” had been affected in the water and the carpark.
He shared photos of several dead leafy sea dragons, various fish species and an octopus that were found on the sand.
Surfer Anthony Rowland found dead leafy sea dragons. Photo: Facebook
Leafy sea dragons are one of three species of sea dragon found nowhere else in the world, and only on Australia’s southern coastline.
Rowland discovered them while collecting water samples the day after he went for a surf.
“On Saturday over 100 surfers were infected while surfing or in the car park out at Waitpinga,” Rowland posted on the Victor Harbour Community Group Facebook page.
“We all experienced a sore throat, dry cough and irritated eyes. Some even reported blurred vision.
“It lasted 24 hours or so. Although I am not 100 per cent better today.”
Two beaches have been closed. Photo: Facebook
Rowland described yellow foam and dark green tidelines on the beach.
Another surfer, Zanis Kourakis, said he was “coughing my guts up”.
“Once I paddled out the back the coughing fits started. Felt like I had something irritable in my throat, like capsicum spray.”
National Parks and Wildlife South Australia said Waitpinga and Parsons beaches would be closed until midday on March 21.
“This closure may be extended depending upon algal bloom dispersal.”
Waitpinga Beach is a popular surfing beaches on SA’s Fleurieu Peninsula, about 15 kilometres west of Victor Harbor, which is about an hour south of Adelaide.
Parsons is a rip-dominated beach near Waitpinga Hill headland.
Various fish species have also washed up. Photo: Anthony Rowland (Facebook)
It’s understood hot conditions, winds and tides may have contributed to the algal bloom, which was unusual in its scale.
Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins told a local radio station that swimmers at other beaches, which were not closed, had also complained of coughing and skin irritation.
“I’d just avoid the beaches down here at the moment, until we get the all clear from the EPA and from DEW … if dogs go running and galloping into the water, which they love doing, then they may suffer as well,” she said.
