Auckland Council's Safeswim forecasting programme is up and running.
Safeswim provides real-time information about beach safety and water quality at 84 of Auckland's beaches, so you can go online and check for safety advice before you swim.
It also gives real-time warnings about unexpected beach safety risks as they occur, and provides information about wind direction and tides.
A better beach experience
Councillor Penny Hulse, Chair of the Environment and Community committee says, “Most of our beaches are clean, but when it rains excess water enters some of our older wastewater systems and causes them to overflow."
“We’re working on solutions but Safeswim is a great way for Aucklanders to plan ahead for a better beach experience.”
Digital sign at Mission Bay
A digital sign to be installed at Mission Bay will also provide Safeswim information. The sign will be run on a trial for the 2017/2018 summer season.
Ōrākei Ward Councillor Desley Simpson says, “Mission Bay is one of Auckland’s most popular beaches, and has visitors from across the region, so it’s a natural choice. The digital sign technology is cutting edge and if successful it could be rolled out across other beaches.”
Safety information at 84 beaches
Safeswim covers 84 of Auckland's beaches. Signs are being erected at beach access points to direct people to the Safeswim website for up-to-date information on water conditions.
Beaches patrolled by Surf Lifesaving Northern Region will display daily a free-standing sign to indicate water quality and safety.
Why do we need Safeswim?
We know we have issues with the water quality at our beaches, especially after heavy rainfall, and we have a responsibility to ensure everyone is aware of the risks.
At the end of the day it’s down to each person to make the choice about whether or not to swim. We just want to make sure you have the right information, so you can make the safest decision - and we want to use Safeswim to identify weak spots in the water management system that need to be fixed.
Check before you swim
So before you head to the beach this summer, remember to 'check before you swim' at safeswim.org.nz.
Safeswim is a joint initiative by the Auckland Council Group, Auckland Regional Public Health Service and Surf Life Saving Northern Region.
