14 Local Beaches Posted as Unsafe

Storm water runoff from recent rainfall is suspected of flushing excessive bacteria into surf, prompting Ventura County health officials to post 14 beaches as unsafe for swimming over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Beaches posted with signs warning people to keep out of the water include Rincon Beach, at the creek mouth; Rincon Beach, near the bottom of the footpath; Solimar Beach, at the end of the east gate access road; Faria County Park; Promenade Park, near Oak Street; Promenade Park, near the Redwood Apartments; Promenade Park, near California Street; San Buenaventura State Beach, near Kalorama Street; San Buenaventura State Beach, near San Jon Road; Ormond Beach, near the J Street drain; Ormond Beach, near the industrial drain; Hobie Beach; Staircase Beach, and Channel Islands Harbor Beach Park.

The Ventura County Environmental Health Division urged swimmers to stay at least 50 feet from either side of the signs. Pollution levels at all other county beaches are within acceptable limits, according to the agency.

Weekly beach testing occurs at 53 sites in Ventura County and results can be obtained by calling the county ocean water quality hotline at 662-6555 or by visiting the Web site at www.ventura.org/env_hlth/ocean.htm.