Dial Safeswim before you dip

From City Scene, published on 30 November, 2008

Before venturing to the beach, pick up the phone or go online to find out if the water is safe for swimming.

Now into its 10^th season, the council's Safeswim programme conducts weekly testing of the water quality at 20 beaches until April.

The testing measures the levels of enterococci bacteria in the water, which indicate the likelihood of the presence of faecal material, which can potentially cause illness such as mild diarrhoea or respiratory infections.

Dial before you dip and call 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 723 379).

"Beaches, and water quality are important to Aucklanders, and Auckland City Council is committed to maintaining the safe standard we all enjoy," says Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairperson of the City Development Committee.

"As the weather gets warmer, and people are spending time at the beaches, we urge people to take advantage of this great free service."

Stormwater and sewage overflows, caused by occasional heavy rain, were thought to be the likely causes of all seven cases of contamination in excess of recommended levels during the 2007/2008 season. For that reason, it is recommended people do not swim for 48 hours after heavy rainfall and stay away from stormwater outlets.

Visit Safeswim online for a list of beaches, more information on the Safeswim programme, or if you wish to subscribe to receive weekly results.