Waitpinga and Parsons Beaches remain closed until further notice and Victor Harbor horse tram tips to Granite Island have been suspended, following health concerns raised by south coast surfers this week.

There have been widespread reports of surfers and beachgoers suffering symptoms including coughing and breathing difficulties, itchy eyes and blurred vision.

Dead fish, octopuses and seahorses have washed up on shore and beaches have experienced red staining and excessive foam.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued a statement on Tuesday 18 March, saying it was working with other agencies, including PIRSA Fisheries and SA Health, to attend the scene and take water samples.

“It is believed the event could be due to a microalgal bloom that has been driven by hot temperatures and still water and an ongoing marine heatwave, with temperatures currently 2.5C warmer than usual, with little wind and small swell contributing to conditions.”

SA Health has issued a warning that exposure to algae, including in aerosols, can cause allergic-type responses, including respiratory irritation, eye irritation and skin rashes.

It says ingestion of contaminated water may cause stomach upsets and flu-like, symptoms, which generally disappear once exposure stops or after washing in clean water.

As well as the closure of Waitpinga and Parsons, authorities are closely monitoring beaches from Encounter Bay to Hayborough but are not anticipating further closures.

The horse tram closure was announced yesterday, Thursday 20 March as a precautionary measure to safeguard horses and staff while awaiting information from SA Health and the EPA.