Algal Bloom

This webpage is designed to keep our members and the wider community informed about the ongoing, naturally occurring algal bloom, known as Karenia mikimotoi, which is currently affecting parts of South Australia's coastline.

Ensuring the safety of our members and the public remains our top priority as we continue to deliver vital surf lifesaving services and water safety programs wherever possible throughout the 2025/26 season. Our Board, leadership teams, and Environment Advisory Committee are actively working with relevant authorities to monitor the situation and respond appropriately.

SLSSA is actively updating beachsafe.org.au to provide the latest information on beach conditions and any known hazards. We recommend checking this website before visiting the coast for the most current updates on beach safety and patrol services.

Please check back regularly, as we will update this page with new information and any important developments as they become available by State Government. Find out more via the State Government’s website at https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/.

Updated as of 29 July 2025.

What is the Algal Bloom?

The following information is provided by the State Government. For the latest updates, news, and official guidance, please visit the State Government’s website at https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/.

  • An algal bloom happens when tiny, plant-like organisms in the ocean - called algae - grow rapidly and in large numbers. These blooms are a natural part of the marine ecosystem but can have serious impacts when they grow too large or last too long.

  • The current algal bloom in South Australia was first seen in mid-March 2025 near Waitpinga and Parsons beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The last event like this in SA happened in Coffin Bay in 2014 and lasted around four months.

  • This current bloom is believed to be caused by a mix of natural environmental factors, including:

    • A marine heatwave since September 2024, with sea temperatures 2.5°C above average

    • Floodwaters from the River Murray in 2022–23, which brought nutrients into the ocean

    • A cold-water upwelling during the 2023–24 summer, lifting more nutrients to the surface

    These conditions provide the perfect environment for the algae - specifically the Karenia species - to thrive.

  • Some algal blooms are harmless. However, Karenia blooms, like the one currently affecting South Australia, can be toxic to marine life, harming fish, shellfish, and other sea animals.

    While this bloom has significantly impacted fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, the risk to the general public is low. You can stay safe by:

    • Avoiding discoloured or foamy water

    • Not touching or consuming dead fish

  • There is no quick fix. Algal blooms cannot be chemically treated or flushed out of the ocean. They’re part of a natural cycle and usually resolve on their own when conditions change.

    Algal blooms typically start to break down when:

    • Water temperatures drop

    • Winds and waves increase, helping disperse the algae

    • Nutrient levels decrease in the water

    This is a naturally occurring event, and it’s being taken seriously by marine experts, environmental agencies, and public health authorities.

What is Surf Life Saving SA doing about the Algal Bloom?

Surf Life Saving SA is actively working with the State Government and key agencies - including PIRSA, SAFECOM, SA Health, and local coastal councils - on the evolving algal bloom situation. We've also been included on the State Government’s Harmful Algal Bloom Taskforce to ensure we remain fully informed and up to date with the latest developments.

At this stage, we are directing all enquiries to the official State Government information page: www.sa.gov.au/algalbloom. The advice from State Government is that beaches remain open and at this time the algal bloom does not pose a long-term risk to humans.

SLSSA is incorporating this information into our planning for the upcoming summer season and is preparing tailored advice for our members. We will continue working closely with government stakeholders, our clubs, and frontline surf lifesavers to monitor developments and respond appropriately. This is an evolving situation and we will take any and all necessary actions as more information is presented by the experts.

Specific information on our services and programs can be found below.

Functional Area / Department Service, Activities and Programs Status Current Advice and Information
Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Club Patrols ✅ Active Club patrols commence 11 October 2025. Club Emergency Response Teams remain on standby.
Emergency Operations Group (EOG) ✅ Active Ready to respond 24/7; capable of deploying to incidents as required.
Surf Sports Trainings ✅ Active Continue to follow latest advice provided by State Government.

Current advice: beaches remain open, and surf sports training is permitted to continue.

As always, a risk assessment must be completed prior to any training activity using the Surf Risk Rating app.

In addition to assessing the overall risk rating, please avoid training in areas where the water appears discoloured or foamy, as this may indicate unsafe conditions.

Participants should also be monitored closely for any signs or symptoms of illness following exposure.
Carnivals and Events ✅ Active Proceeding as planned; situation is being monitored closely and we continue to follow the latest advice from the State Government.

CLICK HERE to view all upcoming carnivals and events.
Nippers Nippers ✅ Active Proceeding as planned; situation is being monitored closely and we continue to follow the latest advice from the State Government.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the iconic Nippers program.
Community Programs VACSWIM ✅ Active Enrolments for the 2025/26 program open September 1.

CLICK HERE to enrol.
Community Surf Rescue Courses ✅ Active Currently available.

CLICK HERE to book a course.
CALD Water Safety Programs ✅ Active Proceeding as planned; situation is being monitored closely and we continue to follow the latest advice from the State Government.
Surf Babies ✅ Active Enrolments to open in late 2025.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Surf Babies program.
Surf Education ✅ Active Currently available. If you would like to inquire about having a Surf Education program at your school, email Craig Potgieter or call 8354 6900.
Member Training and Assessment Awards and Training ✅ Active Continue to follow latest advice provided by State Government.

Current advice: beaches remain open, training and skills maintenance activities can continue, however Clubs are encouraged to limit in-water training activities during winter due to water temperature.

As always, a risk assessment must be completed prior to any training activity using the Surf Risk Rating app.

In addition to assessing the overall risk rating, please avoid areas where the water appears discoloured or foamy, as this may indicate unsafe conditions.

Participants should also be monitored closely for any signs or symptoms of illness following exposure.

CLICK HERE for more information on Members Education.
Proficiencies ✅ Active Proceeding as planned; situation is being monitored closely and we continue to follow the latest advice from the State Government.
Club and Member Development Lifesaving Development Camp ✅ Active Scheduled as planned for 14th - 19th December 2025.
Youth Development Camp ✅ Active Scheduled as planned for 20th - 22nd April 2026.

Key resources

Algal Bloom - Government of South Australia

For latest advice, information and updates on the Algal Bloom as provided by State Government.

click here

Reporting (Fishwatch) - PIRSA

Fishwatch helps protect fish stocks by making sure commercial and recreational fishers follow all fishing rules and regulations.

click here

Water Quality Alerts - SA Health

SA Water routinely monitors the quality of several public water resources. Health advice is issued when there is a public health risk.

click here

Beachsafe

Beachsafe is brought to you by Surf Life Saving Australia as part of our ongoing commitment to education and safety in the aquatic environment.

The site includes current information and conditions for every beach in Australia. It shows patrol services, hazards and facilities as well as weather, swell and tide details. Beachsafe is designed to help you choose the right beach for your needs, so you can relax and enjoy your visit.

Contact us

Media inquiries

For all media inquiries, please contact the Media team via media@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.

General inquiries

If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.

Your safety and understanding are our top priorities.