Swimmers Advised to Avoid Ocean After Storm

Concerned about polluted storm water runoff, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division issued a warning Friday cautioning swimmers and surfers to stay out of the ocean for at least 72 hours.

Heavy rains can wash pesticides, lawn fertilizers, car grease and other contaminants down storm channels and into the ocean.

Contact with polluted water poses a health risk and should be avoided after a storm, according to the county's advisory.

Information about testing of polluted water at different beaches is available on the county's Web site at http://http://www.ventura.org/env_hlth/env.htm or by calling 662-6555.