Stunning San Diego beaches shut down as bacteria levels spike

San Diego beaches have been shut down after a wave of storms sent bacteria levels soaring along the coast — with health officials warning beachgoers to stay out of the water.

Multiple shorelines across San Diego County were closed at the weekend following days of heavy rain that triggered contaminated runoff, NBC 7 San Diego reported.

The closures stretch from Imperial Beach through the Silver Strand and up to Coronado, officials said. Elevated bacteria levels in the ocean prompted the county to post yellow hazard signs advising swimmers and surfers to steer clear.

Health officials routinely issue advisories for about 72 hours after significant rainfall, when stormwater runoff can carry bacteria, debris and pollutants into the surf.

Despite the warnings — and temperatures hovering in the low 60s — crowds still flocked to Coronado’s picturesque shoreline Saturday as gray skies gave way to sunshine.

“We were just going to go visit the beach, we just wanted to look at it but it was just a little bit too cold to actually go in the water,” Katie Peterson, who was visiting with her family, told NBC 7.

Several surfers ignored the caution tape and paddled out anyway, taking advantage of calmer conditions after days of stormy weather. Others were more hesitant.

“I was just a little confused because I was like, ‘Oh wow it’s a beach, but we can’t really go in the water,’” Lizzie Peterson told the network.

County officials urged residents to take the advisories seriously, warning that swimming in contaminated water can cause illness.

A general rain advisory remains in effect across San Diego County through Monday afternoon as lingering runoff continues to impact water quality.

While the sand may look postcard-perfect again, officials say the ocean itself is anything but — at least for now.

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