Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has released its list of top 10 beaches for the summer to date with Eastern Beach, The Dell, Portarlington and Santa Casa heading up the list; Portsea, St Leonards, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Seaford and Black Rock round out the top 10.
EPA Applied Sciences Group Manager Anthony Boxshall said each of Port Phillip Bay’s 36 beaches was ranked according to forecasting data and that this information was provided to the public twice daily during summer through EPA’s Beach Report service.
“The forecast provides a simple ranking for beach goers about forecast water quality forecast, which is presented by either a good, fair or poor prediction,” Dr Boxshall said.
Dr Boxshall said all beaches in Port Phillip Bay had performed well over the summer period so far and for the most part there had not been much rain, which can impact water quality in Port Phillip Bay.
“EPA advises people to avoid swimming near stormwater or river outlets 24-48 hours after rain or in areas where water is discoloured, or debris, oil and scum is visible,” Dr Boxshall said.
Victorians can check the latest beach forecasts by visiting EPA’s Beach Report online (www.yarrandbay.vic.gov.au) or by following EPA on Twitter at @epa_victoria.
Dr Boxshall said that during summer, EPA would also investigate public reports of suspected algal blooms, pollution events or fish deaths.
“Reports should be made directly to EPA’s Pollution Hotline, 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842),” Mr Boxshall said.