Public Health Department warns against ocean water after rainstorms
Officials advise avoiding ocean contact for at least three days
– The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department is advising the public to avoid contact with ocean water during and for at least three days following significant rainstorms.
The advisory follows recent storm activity and applies to activities such as swimming and surfing. According to the Public Health Department, rainstorm runoff can carry high levels of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, from watersheds and urban areas into the ocean.
These organisms can cause skin, respiratory, and intestinal illnesses. Contact with runoff-affected ocean water may increase the risk of rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to these waterborne pathogens.
The department advises surfers, swimmers, and others to avoid ocean water contact during this period, particularly near creeks, rivers, storm drains and other runoff outlets that empty into the ocean.
Anyone who inadvertently comes into contact with ocean water during a rain advisory should monitor for symptoms and contact a doctor if symptoms persist or become moderate to severe.
Additional information about beach water quality is available through SurfSafeSLO or by calling the Ocean Water Monitoring Program Telephone Hotline at (805) 788-3411.
