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DECEMBER 29 UPDATE

Some beaches are now open. Please check SWIMSAFE for current water safety conditions.

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DECEMBER 28

We all love the Tairāwhiti beaches, but unfortunately due to the weather over the past 48 hours, we have been advised by Gisborne District Council that Gisborne Beaches are closed.

See below key safety messages:
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🟢 Stay Out of the Water! 

Heavy rainfall has caused wastewater contamination in Gisborne’s waterways, including Wainui, Waikanae and Midway Beaches. Swimming is unsafe. Protect your health and  enjoy Rhythm and Vines safely!
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🟢 Water Safety Alert

All patrolled beaches in Gisborne (Tolaga Bay, Wainui, Waikanae, and Midway) have RED NO SWIMMING FLAG. Due to the dangerous conditions and poor water quality alerts due to contamination. Lifeguards are on-site to keep you informed. Stay dry and stay safe! 
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🟢 Enjoy the Festival, Stay Out of the Water 

Large swells, strong winds, and contaminated water mean it’s not safe to swim. Look  after yourself and your mates at Rhythm and Vines. Kia haumaru tātou!
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🟢 Plan Ahead for Safe Swimming

Planning a dip after the festival? Check water quality updates at www.safeswim.org.nz  before heading out. Contaminated water isn’t worth the risk.

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🌊 Message from Gisborne Council
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Gisborne District Council has advised that Gisborne’s wastewater system has been overwhelmed by recent heavy rainfall.

As a result, emergency sewer valves have been opened, releasing excess water into the Taruheru and Turanganui Rivers, which flow into the city’s Beaches. 

Coming into contact with contaminated water can lead to severe health issues. 

As well the dangerous conditions of large swells and strong winds which pose significant risk to swimmers, all patrolled beaches (Tolaga Bay, Wainui, Waikanae and Midway) are currently showing a red water quality which means it is not safe for swimming due to the contamination.

Lifeguards at these locations will be actively talking to members of the public to let them know of the potential risks and will be displaying a red no swimming flag.  

While surf and weather conditions are expected to improve in the coming days, coinciding with the arrival of festival-goers for Gisborne’s Rhythm and Vines Festival, water quality notices will remain in effect.

The public is strongly advised to stay out of the water to avoid the risk of illness. Gisborne District Council is monitoring the situation and will provide updates to water quality notices five days after the wastewater overflow is turned off. 

For the latest information on water quality and patrolled beaches safeswim.org.nz

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