Stagnant Lagoon Water Closes Beach

Warning signs for ocean swimmers in Cardiff were posted Monday after a sand bar gave way in the nearby San Elijo Lagoon, releasing stagnant water into the Pacific, the San Diego County Department of Health Services said.

Elaine Schmidt, a health information specialist, said Monday the sand bar gave way late Saturday or early Sunday, releasing the stagnant water and posing a possible health threat to swimmers.

Warning signs have been posted along the coast 400 feet south and 100 feet north of the mouth of the lagoon, said Schmidt. The quarantine will remain until health officials determine that ocean water is safe or the sand bar is rebuilt naturally, she said.