Aussies blast new ‘Puddley’ beach after it opens along Parramatta River – so would you swim there?

The opening of Western Sydney’s latest swimming spot has seen hundreds of Aussies line grassy knolls and take a dip in the Parramatta River, but many locals said they would ‘never’ swim there.

Putney Beach – affectionately dubbed Panly to rival Penrith’s Pondi – opened to the public on Wednesday.

Council delays in construction saw the beach opened to the public four days after the slated Saturday opening, and one year behind its original schedule. 

The water quality forecast also warned swimmers that pollution would be ‘likely’ on Monday night following intense rainfall last week.

But on Wednesday, a gaggle of local councillors and MPs gathered at the site, which includes sandstone steps and shark nets.

Ryde councillor Lyndal Howison said the Putney Beach opening was a blast from the near-forgotten past.

‘This part of Parramatta River was home to swimming baths 100 years ago, and today, [the] City of Ryde and NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully have declared that they are back in business,’ she said.

‘People have asked about the water… the short answer is that it’s been rigorously tested and deemed safe to swim.’

Photos from Wednesday showed hundreds of locals gathered under partially cloudy skies in muggy 30C heat, ready to cool off.

A team of lifeguards attended, ensuring Putney’s first swimmers didn’t get into trouble.

However, online, it seemed the pollies were more impressed than the populace, with many saying they wouldn’t dare dip a toe in the mighty – and muddy – Parra River.

‘Yuck. Who would swim in that filthy river,’ one resident wrote on social media.

‘Contaminated water … surely wouldn’t be swimming there,’ another said.

‘Not long ago, a drop of water from the River splashed on my lip, and I freaked out. Probably says more about me than the River, but I wouldn’t let a dog swim in there, let alone a child,’ a third agreed.

‘How can the water quality be ‘good’ if there are signs all over the area against eating fish caught in this part of the harbour,’ another resident added.

‘You’ll come out of the water with a slight tinge of neon green skin,’ another joked.

Some complained Putney Beach was no beach at all, without a grain of sand to split the water from the grass.

But not all users were critical of the new beach. 

‘You are gifted a beach that eventuated on the back of a lot of hard work,’ said one. 

‘[There is] nothing wrong with swimming in the Parramatta River as long as it is not after heavy rain,’ another wrote.

‘[I] have swum regularly at Dawn Frazer baths since the 1980s. Water quality is closely monitored, and when the pool is open, the fecal contamination is probably less than the acceptable level in regular pools.’

Another was impressed by the development in the area.

’20 years ago, we couldn’t fish in there because of the chemicals; now we can swim there; what a turnaround,’ he said.

‘Great idea. Hopefully, the shark nets are good. It’s worth a look.’

City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown and other councillors were among the first to cool off in the river.

‘I’d like to thank the State Government for its support in making the Putney Park swim site possible,’ Mr Brown said.

‘Carefully curated open space like this is critical for the City of Ryde as our population and density continue to grow exponentially.’

A council spokesman reminded the public to remain aware of the river conditions before swimming at Putney Beach.

‘The new swim site is equipped with a fully netted enclosure for swimmer security.

‘Council supports the safe use of the site by all swimmers, and users are reminded to always be aware of river conditions, not swim for three days after rain, and follow the safety advice on the swim site signage at the site.’