From safe swims to fish and chips, we’ve got your summer sorted – plus a quick way to check your beach before you hit the sand.
With summer setting in, South Australians are heading back to the coast – and keeping an eye on the algal bloom that’s been moving with the weather since early 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know before you swim, fish or plan your beach break.
What’s behind the bloom – and what’s next
Scientists say the algal bloom formed after a “perfect storm” of natural events: nutrient-rich water from the 2022-23 River Murray floods, a rare cold-water upwelling in summer 2023-24, and a long marine heatwave that’s kept sea temperatures about 2.5°C above average.
Those warm, nutrient-rich conditions have allowed the Karenia algae – the species behind the bloom – to keep thriving for longer than usual.
The bloom continues to shift with the seasons – sometimes expanding, sometimes easing – and fluctuates with ocean conditions like temperature, tides and wind.
In November, testing found zero Karenia algae at 14 of 21 metropolitan sites, with only background levels at others, but scientists say the situation can change quickly.
There’s no set timeline for when the bloom will disappear – nature runs the show – but plenty’s being done to make sure it doesn’t mess with our summer.
Is it safe to swim or surf?
Remember – despite all the headlines, around two-thirds of South Australia’s coastline is unaffected by the algal bloom. Beaches right across the state are still open and safe to enjoy; you just need to use a bit of common sense.
The golden rule? If it looks foamy or discoloured, stay out.
When the algae are broken up by waves, small particles can irritate skin, eyes or airways. If that happens, rinse off in clean water and head indoors; symptoms usually disappear within hours.
People with asthma should take usual precautions – carry reliever medication and avoid thick foam when there’s an onshore breeze – but there’s no evidence of any long-term health effects.
Eight beaches – including Semaphore, Glenelg, Brighton and Goolwa – will also have daily surf life saving patrols all summer.
Can I take my dog to the beach?
You can – just keep them on a leash and away from dead fish or foam. If they do go for a dip, give them a quick wash in clean water afterwards.
Dogs can experience similar short-term irritation if they swim in affected water, so stick to clear water before letting them splash around.
Something new this summer
Want to know if your local beach is clear before you go? The new Beachsafe app (and companion site beachsafe.org.au) shows live photos and daily reports from 23 metro and southern beaches, updated four times a day from 1 December.
You’ll see whether the water’s discoloured or foamy, when it was last cleaned, and what conditions are like on the sand – helping you decide when and where to swim safely before you even get out of bed.
Can I still go fishing or collect seafood?
If you’re part of the FishTok community, you can relax – recreational fishing is still allowed, though there are a few temporary limits in place to help fish stocks recover.
From 1 November 2025, bag and boat limits for Calamari, Garfish, Blue Crab and King George Whiting have been temporarily halved in the Gulf St Vincent, Kangaroo Island and Spencer Gulf zones.
Commercial closures are also in place in parts of Gulf St Vincent and KI until June 2026, alongside fee relief and grants for affected operators.
At Goolwa Beach, pipis may be collected for bait only – not for eating – and anyone fishing anywhere in SA should avoid eating self-collected shellfish.
Recreational fishers are also encouraged to report their catches through the SA Fishing app to help scientists track fish stocks and monitor recovery efforts.
Is seafood from shops and restaurants safe?
Yes – all commercially available South Australian seafood is safe to eat. That means you can scoff your fish and chips with the same level of bliss as every other summer.
Fish, prawns, squid, crabs and lobsters are fine if caught live and cleaned properly. But never eat self-collected oysters, mussels, cockles, pipis, scallops or abalone – these aren’t tested for marine toxins.
And if you needed another reason to buy local, the state’s Summer Plan Dining Cashback program has expanded to include seafood retailers, letting shoppers who enter and win a voucher to claim up to $50 back on SA seafood purchases.
Should I still go on my summer beach holiday?
Definitely. South Australia’s coast is still open for summer, and most beaches can be enjoyed safely by following simple precautions.
Visiting coastal towns helps support local businesses and communities that rely on tourism – from cafés and surf schools to caravan parks and seafood retailers. And with so many small family businesses at risk if everyone cancels their fun in the sun this year, it’d be pretty un-SA to stay home.
The State and Federal Governments’ Algal Bloom Summer Plan includes free entry to coastal national parks, expanded travel and dining vouchers, and daily beach clean-ups, so visitors can plan their trips with confidence.
Wherever you’re heading – Yorkes, KI, the Fleurieu or the West Coast – follow local signage and enjoy the beach like you normally would: by swimming in clear water, staying between the flags, and rinsing off after.
How do I know if my beach is OK?
If you’re unsure, start with the Beachsafe app or visit beachsafe.org.au for live photos and condition updates.
You can also call the Algal Bloom Hotline (1800 774 779) for general updates or to report concerns, and FISHWATCH (1800 065 522) to report fish deaths.
What’s being done?
The State and Federal Governments are investing $102.5 million through the Algal Bloom Summer Plan to protect the environment and back coastal communities.
That includes:
- Daily beach clean-ups and expanded patrols
- The Beachsafe app providing daily updates on beach conditions
- Research into algal monitoring and reef and seagrass restoration
- Travel and dining vouchers to encourage visitors and support coastal businesses
- Funding for events, tourism marketing and mental-health support
- Grants and fee relief for fishing and aquaculture industries
- A new Office for Algal Bloom Research in South Australia.
If you need business, wellbeing or recovery support, free help is available through Rural Business Support, Stay Afloat, PIRSA Family and Business Mentors, Beyond Blue and the Small Business Debt Helpline.
For the latest news, updates and testing results, visit algalbloom.sa.gov.au
