San Diego County's picturesque beaches are no stranger to the occasional "no-go" warning, and recent bacteria advisories are proving that point once again. In a public health notice frequently updated by the County, several shorelines are slapped with closures and advisories, urging beachgoers to keep their distance from the potentially unhealthy waters, as per a recent report by the San Diego County.
Among the afflicted areas, Imperial Beach's oceanfront and the adjacent Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge have been off-limits for quite a while now—since December 18, 2023, and December 8, 2021, respectively. These prolonged beach closures result from contamination from cross-border flows with bacteria levels that continue to "exceed health standards," according to official statements.
Not faring much better is the Silver Strand Shoreline; waters from north of Carnation Avenue to south of Avenida Lunar have been under scrutiny since January 17. Nearby, the Coronado beachfront might as well have put up a "do not disturb" sign on January 22 due to high bacteria levels and unfavorable environmental conditions like south swells.
An unpleasant interjection to the list is the closure of pontoons at Sweetwater Channel, Pepper Park, and Bayside Park in Chula Vista. A sewage spill of approximately 5,000 gallons made its unwelcome entrance into the Sweetwater channel on January 22—bacteria levels "may exceed health standards," they caution. In light of the recent spill, health officials have been conducting water quality assessments, and signs are posted warning the public about the sewage contamination.
Beyond closures, there's a smattering of advisories in effect. Ocean Beach's dog-friendly stretch, parts of Mission Bay, Oceanside, and a chronic advisory dating back to '97 at La Jolla's Children's Pool made the roster. At these locales, bacterial counts have risen above what is considered safe. "Bacteria levels exceed health standards," the notices reiterate, suggesting a reprieve from water contact for the duration.
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