Beach Closures

Excessive bacteria in surf has prompted Ventura County health officials to post two local beaches with no-swimming signs.

Tests show unsafe conditions at Hobie Beach and Channel Islands Harbor Beach Park in Oxnard. Water pollution has plagued those beaches for nearly a year. Officials are studying the cause, but so far cannot identify the source of pollution.

Swimmers, waders and surfers should keep at least 50 yards from each side of the warning signs to avoid bacteria in ocean water, officials at the Ventura County Environmental Health Division advise.

Weekly beach testing occurs at 53 locations in Ventura County, and results can be obtained by calling the county ocean water quality hotline at 662-6555 or visiting the Web site at https://www.ventura.org/env_hlth/ocean.htm.