Warning after harmful discovery at popular beaches: 'Don't swim'
Two of Sydney's major beaches while a handful of other swimming spots are affected.
Beachgoers in Sydney's east are being warned to avoid the water after a harmful algae was detected.
City of Randwick Council urged residents and visitors to stay out of the ocean after the discovery of an algal bloom that can prove harmful to humans.
"Algal blooms are a natural phenomenon which discolour the water and can cause skin irritation," it said in an update ahead of the weekend, while issuing the same warning on Saturday.
The beaches affected are Coogee and Maroubra while several rock pools and baths in between are also in the zone under surveillance.
A council spokesperson told Sky News Australia beaches remain open and not all of the water is affected at the same time.
“It’s quite scattered so its not affecting the whole beach at the same time," they said, adding council hoped it would begin to show signs of clearing up over the weekend.
Council says other beaches in its jurisdiction including Clovelly and Malabar are so far unaffected.
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Algal blooms can be caused by a range of factors, including warmer water temperatures and the water being nutrient rich.
It can also cause irritation to the eyes and may cause gastroenteritis if consumed. Pets can also be affected.
In 2012, a vibrant red algae that glowed blue at night blanketed a host of Sydney beaches, including Bondi.
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