
3 minute read
Swimming Safety This Summer
Beachwatch
Between November and February each year Ballina Shire Council conducts microbiological sampling at our beaches and waterbodies to detect faecal contamination (analysing Enterococci sp. as indicators) in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment under the Beachwatch Program.
The beaches and waterbodies that are sampled include:
Lake Ainsworth
Seven-Mile Beach
Lighthouse Beach
Shaws Bay
Shelly Beach
The Serpentine
The program provides weekly information to the public about the quality of water, allowing the public to make informed choices regarding potential swimming locations. The swimming sites are tested five times per month and are considered safe for swimming when bacteria remain below threshold levels. Advisory warnings are issued where water quality testing indicates a potential health risk. After heavy rainfall swimming is generally not recommended for up to 72 hours depending on the site and catchment area.
Ballina Shire Council’s Beachwatch sampling procedure is audited by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment every year and once again Ballina Shire Council passed with flying colours.
For further information on Beachwatch sampling and weekly star ratings please go to environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/ water/beaches/north-coast-beaches/weekly-star-ratings
We also test the water quality of Lake Ainsworth, see the opposite page for details.
Water quality at our public pools

With summer just around the corner many residents will be taking a dip in the public pools across our shire – and they can do so knowing that Council is monitoring the water quality and safety of these sites.
During the warmer months of November through to April, Council undertakes inspections of public swimming and spa pools. This includes pools located at motels, gyms, caravan parks, and learn-to-swim pools, whether a fee is paid or otherwise.
All public swimming and spa pools must comply with the operating requirements outlined in the Public Health Regulation 2012. This means they must be fitted with an automated or continuous disinfectant dosing system and be disinfected with chlorine or bromine.
Council’s Environmental Health Officers conduct onsite water quality testing and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis. The aim is to ensure that these pools are being managed to keep the water and surrounds clean and safe for our community.
Need to register a pool or spa? Have a general question about this topic? Contact Council’s Public and Environmental Health Section on 1300 864 444.
For more information about Council’s monitoring program visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/publicswimming-pools-and-spas--175
When is it safe to swim in Lake Ainsworth?

Between October and April each year, council's Environmental Health Officers test Lake Ainsworth every week for blue green algae. This public health program detects potential algal outbreaks so we can advise the public of potential health risks.
The sampling is conducted in accordance with the National Health and Research Medical Council (NHMRC) Guidelines and the results and alert level are published each week on council's website.
NO ALERT LEVEL (no restrictions in place)
GREEN ALERT LEVEL (no restrictions in place)
AMBER ALERT LEVEL (some restrictions in place)
RED ALERT LEVEL (full restrictions in place – no swimming allowed)
Although the Lake is tested regularly its condition can sometimes change rapidly. Slicks and scums can form and disappear quickly, depending on the amount of blue green algae present and certain weather conditions, especially wind. Council's Environmental Health Officers encourage lake users to always avoid slicks and scums no matter the lake's current alert level.
For more information on blue green algae sampling please visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/lakeainsworthstatus
Patrols for 2020/2021
Swimming Season

Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head - 28/09/2020 to 18/04/2021. 9am – 5pm* Professional Lifeguards Mon-Fri (5 days) Volunteers on weekends and public holidays
Flat Rock, East Ballina (roving guard) - 19/12/2020 to 26/01/2021 and 03/04/2021 to 18/04/2021. 9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards 7 days a week
Sharpes Beach, Skennars Head - 19/12/2020 to 26/01/2021 and 03/04/2021 to 18/04/2021. 9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards 7 days a week
Shelly Beach, East Ballina - 19/12/2020 to 26/01/2021 and 03/04/2021 to 18/04/2021. 9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards 7 days a week
Lighthouse Beach, Ballina 21/12/2020 to 25/01/2021 and 06/04/2021 to 18/04/2021. 9am – 5pm Professional Lifeguards Mon-Fri (5 days) Volunteers on weekends and public holidays
* Lennox Head is 9am - 6pm during NSW Summer school holiday period