Shaws Bay swimmers itch to be studied
Ballina Shire Council has engaged Southern Cross University to undertake a project that aims to identify the cause of swimmers itch within Shaws Bay and any possible minimisation options available.
The council says swimmers itch is an adverse skin reaction in humans after contact with water and can involve bites, rashes or itching.
“Shaws Bay is home to several aquatic organisms that may cause swimmers itch including sea lice, larval jellyfish, toxic algae, toxic seagrass and larval blood flukes,” the council said.
“Shaws Bay is a popular area for locals and tourists alike. However, in previous years a few swimmers have reported the contraction of swimmers itch over the summer months.
“Swimmers itch has the potential to reduce the amenity provided to residents and tourists who utilise this area.
“The study will in particular examine any possible connections between seagrass and/or organisms and the swimmers itch.”
Field work is due to commence on Monday 15 October 2007.
The council says there have been no reports of swimmers itch this season and Shaws Bay is currently open for recreational water activities.
November 29th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I swim at Shaw’s Bay every day, summer and winter. I have never (so far) suffered from swimmer’s itch but several of my regular companions have. In previous years it has occurred in December but this year it has struck much earlier in early November when the water was still quite cool. I have noticed that those affected have usually been wearing the looser type of swimming garments like floppy shorts in men and full costumes in women and that the bites occur inside these garments. I wear simple swimming trunks. One thing is certain, swimmer’s itch is keeping many of the old regulars away from Shaw’s Bay to say nothing of its effect on visitors, some of whom have complained to me personally, Peter Scott