Public Health Warning

Published on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 at 11:18:24 AM

Public Health Warning:

After heavy rainfall recreational waters like beaches and rivers, can be unsafe to enter due to contamination from stormwater runoff, which may contain elevated bacteria, viruses and debris. It is important to be aware of the health risks of swimming in these waters which can lead to a range of illnesses including gastrointestinal, eye, ear and throat infections.

Tips to stay safe:

• Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall (over 10mm).
• Don’t swim in discoloured, murky or smelly water.
• Follow posted warning signs.
• Avoid swallowing water or putting your head under water.
• Don’t swim with open wounds, infections or if you’re unwell.
• Use toilet facilities.
• Avoid warm, stagnant water or areas near stormwater entry points.
• Do not harvest and eat any shellfish until water has been clear for a couple of weeks after the rainfall event * See below for more information on commercial harvesting

          * Please Note: The Department of Health recommends only eating shellfish that have been harvested commercially under strict monitoring programs.  These monitoring programs ensure the waters are free from pollutants and toxins and that the shellfish are safe to eat.  Commercial bivalve molluscs produced in WA are harvested in accordance with Western Australian shellfish quality assurance program (WASQAP).

The beach grades for Great Southern Recreational Waters, can be viewed on the Department of Health website: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Beach-grades-for-Great-Southern-Recreational-Waters These results might not be updated during or directly after heavy rainfall and you are urged to follow the tips to stay safe.