A new water quality forecasting signage service has begun at six bayside
beaches this year as part of the Victorian Government’s A Cleaner Yarra River
and Port Phillip Bay – A Plan of Action.
EPA Victoria CEO John Merritt said that after a successful trial earlier this
year, the partnership between EPA and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) ensures
beachgoers are better informed by having faster access to key water quality
information.
“Beachgoers at Altona, St Kilda, Elwood, Mentone, Mordialloc and Frankston,
will now be able to get up to date, localised water quality information while
they’re actually at the beach,” Mr Merritt said. “Further to this, in January
2014, Seaford, Half Moon Bay, Sandridge, and Beaumaris beaches will be added to
the program.
“We are committed to developing easier ways for the community to access
information about the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay’s water quality and this is
one of our latest initiatives.
“Forecasts, updated twice a day and reported online, are based on beach
monitoring data, predicted weather conditions, weekly samples, pollution and
other events such as algal blooms and fish deaths.”
Lifesavers will be provided with mobile internet access to allow them to
receive regular updates, as well as an information sheet with general water
quality information and detailed explanation of factors affecting water quality
for their use at each of the participating beaches.
Large signs will be displayed during patrol hours and may be updated at 3pm in
line with the forecast.
LSV Lifesaving Operations Manager Greg Scott says this partnership with EPA is
part of Life Saving Victoria’s holistic approach to achieving its mission to
prevent aquatic related death and injury in all Victorian communities.
“Poor water quality can affect health and become a safety issue for swimmers,”
said Mr Scott.
“Our lifesavers and lifeguards are the faces you see on the beach and the
natural go-to for people who have questions about water safety, so it is great
to be able to equip them with information and signage to better inform the
public about water quality.”