Beware of beach foam

Sea foam caused by high seas mixing fresh and salt water at Lighthouse Beach.

Jay Cronan

IT MAY look light and fluffy but health experts are warning people to steer clear of beach foam following recent heavy rain and flooding.

The director of public health for the North Coast, Paul Corben, said discoloured water, including the discoloured beach foam that is currently lining some North Coast beaches, posed an increased risk of picking up infection.

"We recommend people stay out of the ocean for the 24 hours after heavy rain," Mr Corben said.

"Give the ocean at least a day to recover if it's discoloured."

The Bureau of Metrology forecasts isolated showers and overcast conditions for the start of the weekend today, with temperatures expected to reach the high 20s.

Tomorrow, showers will continue before easing in the afternoon.

Rainy conditions will continue on Monday with a few showers and a top temperature of 29 degrees.

Despite the rainy forecast, humidity will be around 70-80%.