Why swimmers have been warned not to swim at some of Australia's most popular beaches this weekend: 'Discolouring'

  • Algal bloom between Coogee and Maroubra
  • Beaches and ocean pools could be affected
  • A bloom can cause skin, eye irritation to swimmers

Swimmers have been warned to avoid some of Australia's most popular beaches this weekend because of a skin irritant in the water.

Randwick City Council in Sydney's eastern suburbs has advised locals not to enter the water because of an algal bloom along the coast between Coogee and south Maroubra.

An algal bloom occurs due to an increase in algae and cyanobacteria in the water which can change the colour to green-brown or even red or blue. It can also causes skin, eye and nose irritation with side effects similar to hay fever.

Coogee and Maroubra beaches are potentially affected, as are several popular ocean baths and rock pools also situated along the same stretch of coast.

Thousands of swimmers have been advised against entering between Coogee and Maroubra beaches. Ocean baths like Mahon Pool (pictured) and Wylie's Baths would also be affected

Thousands of swimmers have been advised against entering between Coogee and Maroubra beaches. Ocean baths like Mahon Pool (pictured) and Wylie's Baths would also be affected

These include Mahon Pool, Wylie's Baths, McIver Ladies' Baths, the Ivo Rowe rock pool and the Rob Walker rock pool.

'The algal bloom can move quite quickly so it will affect different beaches and pools at different times,' a spokesperson for the council told Daily Mail Australia.

'If you see a discolouration in the water it's best not to swim there,' he said.

'But in general we are advising people to avoid the area.'

An algal bloom can change the colour of the water to brown, green or even red or blue and can have similar impacts to hay fever

An algal bloom can change the colour of the water to brown, green or even red or blue and can have similar impacts to hay fever

Pets can also be affected to algal blooms and owners are usually advised to keep their animals out of affected water. 

The council has not closed the beaches, the baths or the rock pools.

In a Facebook post the council said 'Algal blooms are a natural phenomenon which discolour the water and can cause skin irritation. 

'Council Lifeguards are advising people not to swim until it clears.'

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