Swimming, Surfing and Diving Need to Be Avoided for 72 Hours After Rainfall
The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health has issued a General Advisory for the all coastal waters and beaches – including Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs, Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Pacific Beach – due to all the substantial recent rainfall. It also includes San Diego Bay and all all coastal beaches.
Swimmers, surfers, and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff.
Urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil, and decomposing vegetation. While many coastal storm drains within San Diego County are permanently posted with white metal warning signs, additional temporary warning signs are not posted for General Advisories.
Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided in all coastal waters for 72 hours following rain. Elevated bacteria levels can persist after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean and current conditions. CW6
For updates on beach closure information, visit www.sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073.
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