Health Advisory Lifted on Central Coast, Aug. 11

A public health advisory for contact with marine water at Seal Rock Beach, located in Lincoln County, was lifted Friday, August 8, by the Oregon Health Authority. The advisory was issued August 6 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters. Results from subsequent samples taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality showed contamination had subsided, and the water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk associated with water contact activities. However, officials recommend staying out of large pools and runoff from water frequented by birds, because this can be an indication of increased bacteria from fecal matter. State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.