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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect myself from illness-causing bacteria in the ocean?
When a beach is listed under warning status, swimmers should stay a minimum of 50 yards away from creek mouths and storm drains. When a beach is listed under closed status, stay at least 1/4 mile (440 yards) away from both sides of the creek mouths and storm drains.

Also please remember to do the following at all times:
  • Avoid swallowing creek or ocean water.
  • Do not swim in the ocean within 3 days of a rainfall event.
  • Rinse off thoroughly (including mouth, nose, and ears) as soon as possible after swimming in the ocean.
  • Stay out of discolored water.
  • Swim in areas up-current of creek mouths and storm drains.
  • Watch for warning signs.

Show All Answers

1. When is a beach placed on warning status?
2. When is a beach closed?
3. What exactly are total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus?
4. How does Humboldt County monitor ocean water quality?
5. What are indicator bacteria?
6. Does the health risk to swimmers increase as indicator bacterial levels increase?
7. How do I protect myself from illness-causing bacteria in the ocean?
8. How can I find out about the weekly sampling results?