Local beaches in the Kiama state electorate have once again scored top ratings in the 2025 State of the Beaches Report, with six monitored beaches in the electorate, including Jones, Werri and Shoalhaven Heads scoring "very good".

Out of the 249 sites across NSW, water quality has improved at 23 swimming sites, while a further 179 kept their high score of good to very good.

The water quality of swimming spots can be impacted by heavy rainfall and run-off from overflowing stormwater systems.

These conditions can lead to unsafe contaminants in beaches, river and estuaries.

Ocean beaches and tidal pools generally performed better after storms, due to higher levels of flushing which quickly disperses and dilutes pollution, allowing for faster recovery.

Around 95% of the 133 monitored ocean beaches scored between good and very good for water quality.

While the State of the Beaches Report provides a long-term assessment of how suitable sites are for swimming, people are encouraged to check water quality before swimming at beachwatch.nsw.gov.au.

“Beachwatch is the best source of information when it comes to deciding if your local beach, swimming hole or stream is safe to swim in," Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe said.

"That’s why the Minns Labor Government rolled out monitoring to a further 31 swimming sites in 2025.

“While this report shows us a really positive snapshot of our state’s water spots, as a swimmer myself, I know firsthand how important it is that people continue to check the Beachwatch website for live updates on water pollution.

“This year we have seen a great result, and we will be continuing to work hand-in-hand with councils to ensure the program continues to serve the community.”

Estuarine swimming sites, which are more susceptible to stormwater impacts following rainfall, had 63% graded as good or very good, up from last year’s result of 55%.

Beachwatch recommends staying out of the water when it’s raining, and up to three days afterwards, or when the water is murky and littered with debris.

“These results confirm what beachgoers across the electorate already know to be true – that we have some of the state’s top spots for a dip," Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said.

"We are in for another stellar swimming season, and the results of our beaches give locals and visitors alike the peace of mind when heading into the water.

“There is a wide variety of swim sites currently monitored across the region.

"Residents should always check the Beachwatch forecasts before swimming, particularly after heavy rain.

“It is recommended that swimming should be avoided during and for up to three days following rainfall or if there are signs of stormwater pollution such as discoloured water or floating debris.”

To view your local swimming spots on the State of the Beaches website, visit beachwatch.nsw.gov.au/stateofthebeaches.