Beachgoers Are Advised to Stay Out of Ocean
After Tuesday morning’s rainfall, the county Health Department advised beachgoers to stay out of the ocean for 72 hours.
“The rain advisory is put out any time there’s significant rainfall in the area,” said Richard Kebabjian, chief of recreational health programs at the health department. “Increased runoff from streets and streams flows into the ocean and typically raises the bacteria count in the water.”
The advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. Friday.
The runoff, which does not include sewage, can contain lawn pesticides, bird droppings and other bacteria. Water closest to storm drains typically has higher bacteria levels.
“It’s not contaminated, but the counts are high. It may cause illness,” Kebabjian said. “If you want to play it safe, you want to stay out of the water.”
More information is available on the beach closures and advisory hotline at (800) 525-5662.
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