County Urges Residents to Stay Out of the Ocean

The Department of Environmental Health issued a general advisory on Friday for all of the coastal waters of San Diego due to the recent rainfall. The Department of Environmental Health issues this general advisory after every significant rain due to urban runoff, which can significantly increase bacteria levels in the ocean and bay.

Swimmers, surfers, and divers are warned that the levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff.  

Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided for 72 hours following rain. This includes all coastal beaches and all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.