OC Health Warns of Rain Advisory for Orange County Beaches

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Overnight rain has led Orange County health officials to issue a customary warning for swimmers and surfers to utilize caution when swimming in ocean water near storm drains, creeks and rivers.

Health officials noted that rain runoff can carry debris and bacteria into the ocean, making conditions particularly treacherous for people entering the water near discharge sites.

"The Environmental Health staff advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms," the Orange County Ocean Protection Program health agency said in release. "The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least three days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff."

Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.

Los Angeles County health officials also issued a rain advisory, urging people heading to the beach to avoid in areas where runoff is being dumped into the ocean.

The rain advisory in both counties will remain in place until 7 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

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