Hidden danger in photo at popular Aussie beach: 'Extremely hazardous'
Locals reveal why the popular rock can be deadly.
A photo of a seemingly idyllic slice of Western Australia's southern coastline has been shared on social media, with only those in the know aware of the subtle signs of danger on show.
The large rock believed to be Chapman's Point at West Beach in Esperance can be seen in the photo with people walking along it at various points. Although climbing the rock is a popular activity, locals have warned of a danger many are not aware of.
"You can slip on it and you're also at risk of waves washing you off easily," one worried local wrote online pointing out the danger of the "black rock" section of the photo.
Why should you steer clear of 'black rock'?
It is well-known among coastal communities that black rock is slippery underfoot and should be avoided, especially along rocks that are always wet from waves crashing onto them — which causes the growth in the first place.
"The black rock is more slippery due to a ‘black’ algae which grows on the rock," Shane Daw from Surf Life Saving Australia told Yahoo News Australia.
"When wet it can be extremely hazardous," he said.
Black rock is life-threatening
Alongside clued-up locals, surf life saving organisations tirelessly remind visitors to avoid black rock after a number of deaths have occurred along the Esperance coast after individuals lost their grip and fell onto the hard rock or into the water.
"Be aware of the algae which grows on the rock ... Large waves can occur with little or no warning and wash over the area," Shane said. "Never turn your back to the ocean."
An Esperance local also warned climbing the dry rock can be dangerous and they had been knocked over by waves three times.
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Since 2010 there have been 18 deaths along the Esperance coast, with the most recent death occurring in January at Chapman's Point. A 44-year-old tourist fell into the water while he distractingly took pictures and was unable to be revived by lifeguards, the Kalgoorlie Miner reported. Last September a 29-year-old died at the same location.
"If you've grown up here, you've probably been told right from little, 'Don't walk on the black,'" Surf Life Saving WA Esperance duty officer Chris Brien told the ABC in September.
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