Repairs begin on Middleton Beach swim enclosure damaged by extreme tides, swell and shifting sand

The City of Albany has confirmed the Middleton Beach swimming enclosure was damaged by recent extreme tides, swell, and shifting sands, and will need further repairs.

The City says diver inspections following a record swell at the end of May revealed damage to the enclosure at the popular beach.

They said the enclosure had been temporarily repaired, but was “not fully intact”.

Part of the enclosure will need to be removed for repairs before being reinstalled, and the City said they did not have confirmed dates for this operation yet, but it was planned to take place sometime in July.

City of Albany executive director of infrastructure, development and environment Paul Camins said a 50m section of the enclosure had been damaged during recent ocean conditions.

“The section has been temporarily re-secured, and advisory signage will remain in place until full repairs are completed,” he said.

“A full repair is planned for July and will involve removing, repairing, and reinstalling a 150m section of the enclosure.

“Works are expected to take around five days, weather permitting.

“The enclosure is normally inspected monthly by a dive team, but the most recent inspection was brought forward due to the rough ocean conditions.”

Signs have been posted along the beach to advise swimmers of the situation, and will remain in place until the enclosure is repaired.