October 17, 2012

Swim spots looking safe for summer

Summer is on its way and swim spots in the Horizons Region are looking like a good place to cool off according to a recent Ministry for the Environment report on recreational water quality.

The report compiles water quality data collected over five consecutive summers from 210 freshwater beaches and 248 coastal beaches used for recreation nationwide.

Of the beaches monitored in Manawatu-Wanganui, 26 recorded useable data. Of these, 23 have been identified as safe for swimming most of the time with two graded as ‘very good’.

Horizons Regional Council spokesman for water quality Barry Gilliland says Horizons carries out weekly water quality monitoring at 13 popular swimming spots throughout the summer months and 29 areas have a permanent grading system in place.

“We’ve been collecting data as part of our swimming spots monitoring programme since 2004 and while the gradings provide a general indication of water health the best way to determine if an area’s safe for swimming is to have a look,” Mr Gilliland says.

“Coastal beaches and rivers close to the ranges such as the Upper Whanganui River, Pohangina River, Kahuterawa Stream, Tokomaru River and Ohau River are generally the best option for safe swimming. Bigger rivers take longer to recover after periods of heavy rainfall but are still ok for swimming most of the time.

“If the water looks clean and clear and it’s a sunny day you should be good to go. If it’s been raining, we advise waiting three rain-free days before swimming at river swimming spots.”

Mr Gilliland says that in addition to monitoring swim spots for E. Coli Horizons also monitors blue-green algae slimes which can pose a risk to people and animals and cause a musty smell during extended periods of low flows.

“This is just something for swimmers to be aware of if it hasn’t rained for a few weeks. Again, it’s largely a matter of having a look, seeing whether the water is clear and making a sensible decision,” he says.

Horizons’ chief executive Michael McCartney says he hopes people get out there this summer and enjoy what the Region has to offer.

‘’It’s important that the public understand their rivers and beaches. Our Region’s home to plenty of great swimming spots, so when the conditions are right people should go for it. Equally, it’s important for the community to know when or where it’s not wise to use a river.

"It’s important to remain mindful of the risks the natural environment presents and watch out for sunken logs, rocks and river bank trees that could present a hazard," he says.

Weekly swim spot testing is carried out from November through to April and each of the 13 tested sites is given a grade of green, amber or red. Green indicates it’s safe to swim, amber shows when precaution should be taken and red indicates when it’s best not to swim a site.

Safe swim spot information is regularly updated throughout summer months and is available on Horizons’ website at www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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