Beach Closures
People are urged to keep out of the water during the weekend at three Ventura County beaches that failed to meet minimum health standards for bacteria pollution, the County Environmental Health Division announced Thursday.
Warning signs have been posted at South Jetty Beach, Hobie Beach and Channel Islands Harbor Beach Park in Oxnard after tests conducted this week revealed excessive amounts of disease-causing bacteria in surf.
Swimmers, waders and surfers should stay at least 50 yards away from each side of the signs, officials advise.
Runoff from city streets, businesses and farms is a big source of ocean pollution. Health officials suggest people keep away from surf and storm drains for 72 hours after rainfall ceases.
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 county’s Web site at https://www.ventura.org/env_hlth/ocean.htm.
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