Illawarra swim sites score highly in NSW State of Beaches 2022-2023 report
llawarra water lovers can swim with confidence, with 95 percent of monitored swim sites in the region graded as Good or Very Good in the annual State of the Beaches report.
All 13 monitored ocean beaches in the Wollongong region were graded as good or very good.
Stanwell Park, Coledale, Austinmer, Woonona, Wollongong City and Fishermans were named as the best beaches for water quality.
The two monitored ocean beaches in Shellharbour were also graded good or very good.
And Shellharbour Beach took honours as best beach.
In Kiama, all five monitored ocean beaches were graded as good. Boyds Jones, Bombo, Surf Beach Kiama, Werri and Seven Mile beaches were all classified as suitable for swimming most of the time.
Twenty-one swim sites are currently monitored across the Illawarra region.
State of the Beaches grades are compiled from water quality samples collected at NSW swim sites monitored under the Beachwatch and Beachwatch Partnership programs.
Daily Beachwatch pollution forecasts and weekly star ratings for beaches across NSW can be found at beachwatch.nsw.gov.au and on Twitter and Facebook.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Illawarra & the South Coast Ryan Park:
“I’m so proud that our region is home to quality beaches.
“It’s going to be a warm summer and I know our community will be very keen to hit the beaches.
“I urge residents to have a look at Beachwatch forecasts before venturing out for a swim, especially after rainfall or if the water appears discoloured or with floating debris.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully:
“Locals have always known that Wollongong has the best beaches in the country, and this report proves it!
“Our surf life savers across the Illawarra do a tremendous job each and every season to keep all visitors to our beaches safe.
“As beach season begins for the year, if you’re coming to swim in the Illawarra, make sure you help our life savers by swimming between the flags.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:
“With the Illawarra expected to have hot and dry summer, it is important that we all enjoy our beaches in a safe and caring manner.”
“If you are visiting one of our magnificent beaches this summer, please swim between the flags and seek advice from our wonderful surf life savers.”