100+ Surfers Sick After Yellow Foam Hits Beaches

Sounds like something straight out of a disaster movie, but it’s real—South Australian beaches are dealing with a bizarre and worrying situation.

Masses of yellow foam and dead sea creatures, including fish and seahorses, have washed up along Waitpinga and Parsons beaches in Victor Harbor. And if that wasn’t alarming enough, over 100 surfers and beachgoers have reported feeling sick, experiencing symptoms like sore throats, dry coughs, itchy eyes, and even blurred vision.

Anthony Rowland, one of the surfers affected, shared his experience online, saying, “We all experienced a sore throat, dry cough, and irritated eyes. Some even reported blurred vision. It lasted 24 hours or so. In the following hours/days, there was visible evidence that something weird is in the water.” He also mentioned spotting dead marine life scattered across the beach, including leafy sea dragons.

With so many people and animals affected, authorities are taking this seriously. The Department for Environment and Water has shut down both beaches while multiple agencies—including the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), SA Health, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA)—launch an investigation.

So, what’s going on? Experts believe a microalgal bloom is to blame. These blooms, triggered by changes in temperature, light, or rainfall, can be harmful and even toxic. An EPA spokesperson pointed out that South Australia is currently experiencing a marine heatwave, with ocean temperatures about 2.5 degrees warmer than usual. Combine that with little wind and small swells, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for an algal explosion.

SA Health’s principal water quality adviser, David Cunliffe, explained that exposure to this algae can cause allergy-like symptoms, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, and skin rashes.

Ingesting it? That can lead to flu-like symptoms and stomach problems. His advice? Stay away from discolored water and wash off with clean water if you do come into contact with it.

Meanwhile, PIRSA is investigating the fish deaths to rule out infectious diseases and pollutants.

A spokesperson noted that fish kill events can be caused by all sorts of things—temperature changes, water quality issues, disease, or even pollutants.

For now, if you’re in the area, it’s best to steer clear of the beaches until authorities figure out exactly what’s going on.