The 2025 State of the Beaches Report has revealed the water quality of swimming spots has improved, thanks to a year of average-to-below average rainfall across NSW.
There are improved results at iconic surf spots like Maroubra and South Curl Curl, as well as harbourside favourites like Nielsen Park and Camp Cove.
Out of the 249 sites across NSW, water quality has improved at 23 swimming sites, while a further 179 kept their high score of 'good' to 'very good'.
The water quality of our swimming spots can be impacted by heavy rainfall and run off from overflowing storm water systems. These conditions can lead to unsafe contaminants in our beaches rivers, estuaries and lakes.
Ocean beaches and tidal pools generally performed better after storms, due to higher levels of flushing which quickly disperses and dilutes pollution, allowing for faster recovery.
95% of the 133 monitored ocean beaches in NSW scored between good and very good for water quality.
Estuarine swimming sites, which are more susceptible to stormwater impacts following rainfall, had 63% graded as 'good' or 'very good', up from last year's result of 55%.
Beachwatch recommends staying out of the water when it's raining, and up to three days afterwards, or when the water is murky and littered with debris.
While the State of the Beaches Report provides a long-term assessment of how suitable sites are for swimming, people are encouraged to check water quality before swimming at beachwatch.nsw.gov.au.
You can view the results of your local swimming spots on the State of the Beaches website: beachwatch.nsw.gov.au/stateofthebeaches.
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:
"Beachwatch is the best source of information when it comes to deciding if your local beach, swimming hole or stream is safe to swim in. That's why the Minns Labor Government rolled out monitoring to a further 31 swimming sites in 2025.
"While this report shows us a really positive snapshot of our state's water spots, as a swimmer myself, I know firsthand how important it is that people continue to check the Beachwatch website for live updates on water pollution.
"This year we have seen a great result, and we will be continuing to work hand-in-hand with councils to ensure the program continues to serve the community."
