1. As Ventura County heads into summer, what should residents know about ocean water quality and how it’s monitored by the County?
As temperatures begin to rise heading into summer, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (EHD) began conducting weekly ocean water quality sampling at 40 beaches along the coastline, from Rincon Beach near the Santa Barbara County line to Staircase Beach in Malibu. Sampling takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays, with results typically available within 24 hours through the County website, the VC Safe Beaches mobile app, and telephone hotline. The Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program helps protect public health by identifying elevated bacteria levels and ensuring beaches remain safe for residents and visitors to enjoy.
For the past 35 years, Heal the Bay has released its Annual Beach Report Card, evaluating water quality data from more than 700 beaches along the Pacific Coast. Ventura County beaches continue to perform well overall, especially during the summer months, with five local beaches earning a spot on the 2024–2025 Honor Roll. These recognitions reflect the importance of continued water quality monitoring and environmental stewardship to help keep Ventura County beaches clean, safe, and enjoyable for the community.
2. What are some common reasons beaches receive water quality advisories or closures and is it more common during summer months?
Ventura County regularly tests ocean water for three types of indicator bacteria: Total Coliform, E. coli, and Enterococcus. These bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals such as dogs, birds, and humans. Elevated bacteria levels can be caused by stormwater runoff, sewage, wildlife, pets, or other environmental factors and may increase the risk of illness for swimmers and beachgoers.
When bacteria levels exceed State health standards, the County issues an ocean water advisory and notifies the public through posted signs, press releases, social media updates, the hotline, and website updates. During the summer months, additional samples are collected when elevated levels are detected, and if follow-up testing meets State standards, advisories can often be lifted prior to the weekend.
Beach closures only occur when a known sewage release impacts ocean water quality. In these situations, affected beaches are closed immediately to help protect public health, and the public is notified through posted signage, press releases, social media updates, the hotline, and website updates. Water samples are collected within 24 hours of the incident, with continued testing conducted until State standards are met. Beaches are reopened once conditions are determined safe for swimming and recreation.
3. How can residents check whether it’s safe to swim before heading to the beach?
There are three ways to check the water quality before you head out to the water.
- Our Ocean Water Quality Monitoring webpage: https://rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/environmental-health/ocean-water-quality-sampling-results/
- Download the VC Safe Beaches App which provides updated results to all beaches in Ventura County. Available for both Apple and Android.
- Call our Ocean Water hotline at (805)662-6555, where a prerecorded message provides the ocean water quality updates.
4. Are there certain times people should avoid entering the ocean, especially after rainstorms? Why?
People should avoid entering the ocean after heavy rains and during closures. Contaminants within the stormwater runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches. We advise the public to avoid entering the ocean for three days after the last rainfall as bacteria levels may remain elevated. Elevated bacteria levels in ocean water may cause illness, especially in children and the elderly. Aside from microscopic contaminants, debris is part of the runoff and physical injury may occur. We are more likely to see trash, sharp objects such as plastic or glass, and other pollutants washed up on shore after rain events. Occasionally, we hear reports of animals such as snakes, rodents and even a cow!
Also, avoid ponding water on the beach at storm drains. It is tempting to let small children play in these areas since the water is warm and there are no waves, but this water is unsafe.
5. What can the community do to help protect ocean water quality here in Ventura County?
There are many ways the community can help protect our oceans and keep them safe for swimming and recreation. Properly disposing of trash and preventing litter and other pollutants from entering waterways can help protect ocean water quality and marine life. When enjoying a day at the beach, visitors are encouraged to “leave no trace” by cleaning up after themselves and properly disposing of food waste to help prevent scavengers.
Individuals who are feeling ill should avoid entering the water to help minimize the spread of illness. Residents can also support local ocean protection efforts by participating in beach cleanups organized by groups such as Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay.
