Media release

Safeswim returns to offer swimmers peace of mind

1 November 2007

North Shore City Council’s annual Safeswim water quality monitoring programme begins on Wednesday 7 November.

The programme is now into its ninth year and tests water quality at 33 sites around our city.

North Shore City Council’s pollution prevention co-ordinator, Rachel Zaloum, says samples will be taken on a weekly basis over summer until 23 April 2008.

If results show water quality is not within national health guidelines, warning signs on red posts advising the public not to swim or undertake other contact water activities, due to the potential health risks, are temporarily put up at the main access points of affected sites. The message is clear: If you see red, don’t swim!

“The source of the pollution will be investigated and water retested until results fall within national health guidelines,” says Rachel Zaloum.

To find out if a beach is safe call 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 72 33 79) or click on Safeswim at www.northshorecitygovt.nz.

“Water quality is generally safe for swimming at all North Shore beaches, however the urban environment can have a significant impact.

“Rain runoff from roads and wet weather sewage overflows are the two main sources of water pollution in the Auckland region. For this reason we advise people not to swim at North Shore beaches for 24 hours after heavy rain and to avoid swimming or playing at stormwater outlets or ponds at beaches.

“The council continues to invest in wastewater and stormwater upgrades and to educate people about the effects of paint, car washing detergents, oil and other pollutants entering outside drains. Remember, outside drains only drain rain!”

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