Beach Closures

People are urged to keep out of the water over the weekend at three Ventura County beaches that failed to meet minimum health standards for bacteria pollution, the County Environmental Health Division announced Thursday.

Warning signs have been posted at San Buenaventura State Beach, near San Jon Road, as well as Hobie Beach and Channel Islands Harbor Beach Park in Oxnard. Tests conducted this week revealed excessive amounts of disease-causing bacteria at those locations. Although the origin of the pollution is unknown, it is believed to be from storm-water runoff.

Swimmers, waders and surfers should stay out of water that is within 50 yards on either side of the signs posted on the beach, officials 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 (805) 662-6555 or visiting the Web site at

www.ventura.org/env_hlth/ocean.htm.