Swimmers were warned not to swim in Austinmer pool and beach after a sewage overflow. Photo: Kirk Gilmour.
Austinmer Beach is closed for swimming following a sewage overflow incident on Saturday (9 May).
A Sydney Water spokesperson said technicians were called to the site to find and clear a blockage in the wastewater system.
The spokesperson said precautionary signage was “immediately installed”.
“Environmental samples from the affected area are currently being analysed to determine whether water quality has been impacted and if further clean-up is required,” the spokesperson said.
“Results are expected within 48 hours.
“Sydney Water apologises for any inconvenience.”
A long-time beach goer and swimmer says he can’t recall being given a warning like this not to swim, especially with no recent significant rainfall.
In last year’s 2025 State of the Beaches report, which provides a long-term assessment of how suitable sites are for swimming across NSW, Austinmer Beach was rated as Very Good.
The top rating a beach or waterway can be given, Very Good, indicates that water quality monitoring and sanitary inspection show very good microbial water quality and few potential sources of faecal pollution. Water quality is suitable for swimming almost all of the time.
