Beachgoers in Melbourne have been warned to avoid swimming and paddleboarding in the waters of St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach after what is believed to be a vegetable oil spillage was reported over the weekend.
The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria said they were investigating the spillage in relation to reports of dead fish in the area. However, no connection has yet been made.
Swimmers and paddleboarders who have been in the water have reportedly emerged covered in the oily substance. The EPA has warned beachgoers that it can be dangerous to come into contact with the oil and it can irritate the skin and eyes. It is also believed to be toxic to animals and marine life, which could explain the reports of dead fish.
On Saturday afternoon, the EPA stated that South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, and Sandridge beaches were “fair”, meaning they may not be suitable for swimming, while swimming at Elwood and St Kilda was advised against.
This was due to reports of dead fish and affected birds in the area, but the EPA had not yet established a connection to the oil spill. Members of the public were also advised to avoid contact with any oily material.
“The identification of the spill as vegetable oil presents no danger to human health, yet still has the potential to be an unpleasant experience for those at the beach and may cause harm to some wildlife,” the EPA said on Saturday afternoon.
