Beach Closures

A break after last week’s rain has led to cleaner beaches in Ventura County, although two locations remain too polluted for swimmers and surfers to use this weekend, the county Environmental Health Division announced Thursday.

Tests show unsafe conditions at Hobie Beach and Channel Islands Harbor Beach Park in Oxnard, which have been plagued by water pollution since September.

Swimmers, waders and surfers should keep at least 50 yards from each side of the no-swimming signs to avoid bacteria in ocean water, Environmental Health Division officials advise.

Weekly beach testing occurs at 53 locations 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.