Seal Beach Remains Closed into Thursday According to OC Health

SEAL BEACH, CA—A sewage spill in Long Beach has left Seal Beach closed to ocean swimmers since Monday. Seal Beach is in full closure according to the Marine Safety division, for the entire main beach.

Seal Beach Lifeguards and Orange County Health officials are both waiting for the test results to determine whether or not the ocean will be reopened for swimming on Thursday.

"The beach will not be open until at least noon, Thursday, when today's test results will be back," Orange County Health officer Anthony Martinez said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, bacteria in the water has tested positive. Culture tests take 24-hours to develop.

"We have another set we are waiting for cultures on today. If they come back clean, it is possible we could reopen tomorrow," Martinez said. Samples are looking better, from initial review.

"By noon, Thursday, we'll have our answer," he said.

There are other factors in play, according to Martinez, including whether the repairs on the broken sewer pipes are completed in Long Beach.

"If they are completed, any borderline numbers we see won't scare us as much, as we will know the sewage leak will be stopped."

The Orange County Health Department is in contact with the Long Beach Health Department and is actively watching the Long Beach closures, as well as water sampling in that affected area.

"If they are still getting dirty samples tomorrow and we are not, it will make things more complicated here," he said.

Marine Safety Officer Nick Bolin discussed the beach activity today at Seal Beach as "light."

"With the hot weather, it looks like many people have sought beaches further south," he said. "People can go on the sand, but no one is down at the water line."

According to Bolin, there is no odor on Seal Beach, but the water being riddled with bacteria is nothing to mess with.

"It's really important to listen to the life guards, and to stay out of the water," he said. "People can get very ill."

The Seal Beach Marine Safety division has been proactive in the mile-long stretch of beach closure.

"We have signs at all entrances, and our life guards are stationed, and are talking with people before they head to the beach with all of their gear," he said. "We want everyone to be educated early about what is going on."

Further south, in Laguna Beach, lifeguards have stated that there are no beach closures or warnings.

"We've had lots of questions, but our beaches are open," Laguna Beach Marine Safety Lt. Kai Bond said. "Orange County Health tests our water frequently, and we are definitely paying attention."