Careful when swimming near stormdrains, creeks or rivers, health officials warn

County health officials warned beach-goers Tuesday to be careful when swimming near storm drains, creeks and rivers that are carrying rain runoff into the ocean.

Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the county’s interim health officer, warned that runoff from recent rains carries bacteria, debris, trash and other health hazards into the ocean, and people who swim or surf near discharge sites could become ill.

The advisory warning of the bacteria danger will remain in effect until at least 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day at (800) 525-5662.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock