Beachgoers urged to avoid algal blooms in sea or risk skin rash

Beachgoers in Perth are being warned to avoid contact with algal blooms that have been spotted along the city's coastline.

WA Health today urged residents against touching the blooms, warning they can cause skin irritations such as stinging, tingling or a rash, particularly on sensitive skin.

People should avoid the patchy blooms, known as "red tide" or "saw-dust", which appear as brown-red-orange-yellow surface scum with the appearance of an oil slick, or a pinkish to pale green colour when it decomposes in surrounding water.

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Residents should refrain from swimming, diving, kayaking, jet-skiing, and fishing in areas with visible water discolouration or scum, because the water could contain algae.

"We're advising beachgoers, along with their pets, to stay out of the water where there are signs of water discolouration and algal scum," said WA Health Senior Scientific Officer, Jared Koutsoukos.

"If out fishing, you should not collect and consume wild shellfish if algal blooms are present."

State authorities are monitoring and assessing potentially impacted foreshore areas.

Public health warning signs will be erected where practical.

Winds and the tide can cause the blooms to come and go fairly quickly, scientists said.

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They also have the potential to extend further along the WA coastline.

Anyone who comes into contact with discoloured water or algal scum should immediately rinse it off with clean water and seek medical attention if they become sick.

In January, Mullaloo Beach at Perth was closed for several days due to the presence of algal blooms.

Residents can report algal blooms or other environmental concerns at Pollution Watch.