South Australians heading to the coast this summer will have a new way to check water conditions before setting out, with Surf Life Saving’s Beachsafe app now offering daily reports on algal blooms at popular beaches.
The free app, supported by the State and Federal Governments as part of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan, aims to help families make informed choices about when and where to swim. Alongside the app, the Beachsafe website will feature the same easy-to-read updates, giving users an overview of local conditions.
Beach clean-up teams will be out each morning inspecting 23 beaches from North Haven to Goolwa, checking for unusual foam or discoloured water. Each report will show whether the beach is clear, when it was last cleaned, and include a fresh photo of the area.
The initiative comes as Surf Life Saving SA prepares for its busiest season yet, with record patrols in place at eight major beaches, running seven days a week throughout summer. The combination of real-time updates and visible on-the-ground support is intended to give beachgoers more confidence to enjoy the coast safely.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the app gives families “clear, reliable and up-to-date information” so they can plan their beach trips with confidence. He added that increased activity along the coast would also be a boost for local businesses reliant on summer visitors.
Federal Minister Murray Watt described the initiative as a practical outcome of State and Federal cooperation, pointing out that better monitoring and more patrols help protect both people and local tourism.
Local MPs Lucy Hood and Rhiannon Pearce said feedback from community forums shaped the initiative, with many residents asking for easier access to water quality updates. Hood said crews would be checking and cleaning beaches daily to ensure information stays current, while Pearce highlighted that Surf Life Saving SA now has the tools it needs to continue its safety mission.
Surf Life Saving SA CEO Damien Marangon welcomed the investment, noting that South Australia recorded its highest number of coastal drownings last year. He said the new app makes it easier for families to find patrolled beaches and understand local conditions before they arrive.
Health authorities continue to advise beach users to avoid swimming in foamy or discoloured water, which may cause irritation.
The Beachsafe reports will expand to include regional beaches before the school holidays, while long-running summer programs like Nippers, Vacswim and community surf safety courses continue as usual.
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