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.

Yes! Nippers is going ahead as planned. Most sessions are expected to run normally, and if water conditions aren’t suitable, activities can be easily adapted to the beach.

Our youngest members will continue to have a safe, fun, and engaging experience, just as they have for generations of Nippers before them.

Absolutely. Patrols remain at the heart of what we do. Lifesavers will be on the beach in red and yellow, ready to support the community. If conditions change, patrols will adjust their approach - as they have for decades - and with new resources in development, members will remain prepared, empowered, and safe.

The red and yellow flags have always marked the safest area of the beach, and that will not change.

If conditions require moving the flags, we will do so, ensuring the public can remain confident that between the flags is still the safest place to swim.  To support confident decision-making, the Surf Risk Rating app is being updated for patrol captains, coaches, trainers, and age group managers providing improved guidance for assessing water quality and pollutants.

Lifesavers are used to adapting to changing conditions - flexibility is part of our expertise.

Training may be relocated, rescheduled, or adapted to beach-based activities if needed. To support confident decision-making, the Surf Risk Rating app is being updated for coaches, trainers, patrol captains, and age group managers, providing improved guidance for assessing water quality and pollutants. Our teams have always adapted successfully to changing conditions, and we will continue to do so.

Yes. Lifesaving, Surf Sports and Member Education training will continue. Most sessions should run as usual, and if needed, activities can be shifted to land-based sessions or another beach to keep skills progressing. Our members are experienced at adjusting plans while keeping safety front of mind.

Your wellbeing comes first. Step away from the activity, let your patrol captain or leader know, and rinse off with fresh water. Our incident reporting system is being updated to capture exposure details. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

Looking after each other has always been part of how we operate, and that continues this season.

Yes, events remain on the calendar. We hope they will proceed as planned, but if conditions aren’t right, events may be modified, moved, or rescheduled. Scientific modelling, supported by the State Government, helps us plan ahead.

Our Surf Sports teams are used to being agile and confident in dynamic conditions — we will continue to manage them safely.

These will still take place. If water conditions affect components, assessments can be adapted, relocated, or rescheduled, ensuring every member can complete their training.

Lifesavers have always found safe ways to achieve their qualifications, and this season will be no different.

All rescues carry some risk, and our lifesavers are trained to respond safely and effectively. Powercraft may be used to reduce direct exposure, but safety protocols remain unchanged: lifesavers always prioritise their own safety.

Additional Standard Operating Procedures, including post-exposure processes, ensure any effects are short-term, with no lasting health impacts. Our approach reflects decades of experience in keeping our people safe while protecting the public.

SLSSA is working closely with government agencies and experts to monitor beach conditions and water quality. We’re planning for every scenario, so members and the community stay safe, supported, and informed. Beachsafe.org.au is being updated with real-time information from lifesaver observations and government testing.

Our teams are used to managing evolving challenges on the beach — this season will be no different.