Thousands of festival-goers descending on Gisborne for the Rhythm and Vines festival have been cautioned to avoid waterways and beaches due to health risks. Heavy rainfall on Boxing Day overwhelmed the city’s wastewater systems, leading to the release of an emergency sewer valve. This resulted in contamination in the Taruheru and Turanganui rivers, which flow into Gisborne’s beaches. SafeSwim has also issued a warning against swimming at Waikanae Beach, Wainui Beach, Tolaga Bay, and Ocean Beach due to dangerous conditions like large breaking waves, strong currents, and high winds.
Urgent Warning to Festival Attendees
Surf Life Saving’s eastern region assistant life-saving manager, Nick Wagstaff, is urging people to stay out of the water to avoid the risk of illness. He emphasized following the Gisborne District Council’s advice to refrain from swimming in the affected waterways. Simply coming into contact with contaminated water poses a significant health hazard. Wagstaff highlighted that all patrolled beaches in the area are currently under a red water quality alert, with lifeguards stationed at Midway Beach, Waikanae Beach, Wainui Beach, and Tolaga Bay to monitor any swimmers.
Monitoring the Situation
Surf Life Saving shared on Facebook that the Gisborne District Council is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions change. With the Rhythm and Vines music festival set to kick off in Gisborne, attracting up to 30,000 attendees over the next three days, it is crucial for everyone to heed the warnings and prioritize their safety.
As a frequent festival attendee myself, I understand the excitement of experiencing live music and celebrating with friends. However, it’s essential to prioritize our health and safety, especially when faced with potential risks like contaminated waterways. Let’s take this opportunity to show responsibility towards ourselves and our community by staying vigilant and following the advice of authorities. Remember, a moment of caution can prevent days of discomfort and illness. Stay safe and enjoy the festival responsibly!