San Diego, December 24, 2025
During the holiday week, several beaches in San Diego County are under temporary closures or advisories due to elevated bacteria levels. The Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has implemented these precautions to ensure public safety. Notable closures include the Tijuana Slough Shoreline and South Mission Beach, while advisories are in effect for locations like the San Elijo Lagoon Outlet and Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Beachgoers are reminded to stay informed about water quality for a safe beach experience.
San Diego County Beach Water Contact Restrictions During Holiday Week
San Diego, CA – As we celebrate the holiday week, several San Diego County beaches face temporary closures or advisories due to elevated bacteria levels in the water, a necessary precaution taken by the Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) to protect public health. The local government’s proactive measures safeguard the community while reminding us of the responsibilities we share to maintain clean waterways.
San Diego County is home to a vibrant coastline that serves as a hub for recreation, tourism, and small-business activities. As we enjoy our beaches, it is vital to address water quality issues to ensure that entrepreneurs who rely on beachgoers remain successful and healthy. By supporting local measures for environmental health, we can foster safety without imposing extensive regulations that might hinder small-business growth.
Beach Closures
- Tijuana Slough Shoreline: Closed due to sewage contamination affecting the ocean shoreline from the U.S.-Mexico border, including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge.
- South Mission Beach: A storm drain incident has led to the restriction of water contact in this area.
Beach Advisories
- San Elijo Lagoon Outlet: An advisory is in effect for Cardiff State Beach at the San Elijo Lagoon Outlet due to bacteria levels exceeding state health standards.
- Children’s Pool in La Jolla: A health advisory remains in place due to elevated bacteria levels; water contact is not recommended in this seasonal harbor seal rookery.
- Imperial Beach Pier: An advisory has been issued for this area where water quality samples have shown bacteria levels above state standards.
Reopened Beaches
- Imperial Beach: Water contact closures lifted for beaches near Carnation and Cortez avenues following water quality tests recently meeting state health standards.
- Coronado: The shoreline from Avenida Lunar through North Beach has reopened after confirming no contamination from Tijuana River flows.
General Advisory
A general advisory is now in effect for all coastal waters, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Elevated bacteria levels can linger after rainstorms, particularly near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets. The DEHQ urges beachgoers to avoid all water contact for 72 hours following rain to mitigate illness risk.
Stay Informed
For the latest information on beach advisories and closures, residents and visitors are encouraged to consult the DEHQ’s Beach and Bay Water Quality Program website at sdbeachinfo.com or call their 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073. Staying informed ensures a safe, enjoyable beach experience during this busy holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which San Diego County beaches are currently closed due to high bacteria levels?
- The Tijuana Slough Shoreline, including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and a storm drain in South Mission Beach are currently closed due to elevated bacteria levels.
- What areas are under advisory for water contact?
- Advisories are in effect for the San Elijo Lagoon Outlet at Cardiff State Beach, the Children’s Pool in La Jolla, and the Imperial Beach Pier area, where bacteria levels exceed state health standards.
- Have any beaches reopened recently?
- Yes, water contact closures have been lifted for beaches near Carnation and Cortez avenues in Imperial Beach, and the shoreline from Avenida Lunar through North Beach in Coronado has reopened following water quality testing.
- What is the general advisory following recent rainfall?
- A general advisory has been issued for all coastal waters, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, advising beachgoers to avoid water contact for 72 hours after rainfall ends due to elevated bacteria levels.
- Where can I find the most current information on beach advisories and closures?
- For the latest updates, visit the DEHQ’s Beach and Bay Water Quality Program website at sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073.
| Beach Area | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tijuana Slough Shoreline | Closed | Ocean shoreline from the U.S.-Mexico border, including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, closed due to sewage contamination. |
| South Mission Beach | Closed | Storm drain in South Mission Beach leading to a closure; water contact restricted in the affected area. |
| San Elijo Lagoon Outlet | Advisory | Cardiff State Beach at the San Elijo Lagoon Outlet under advisory due to bacteria levels exceeding state health standards. |
| Children’s Pool in La Jolla | Advisory | Health advisory remains in effect due to elevated bacteria levels; water contact not recommended. |
| Imperial Beach Pier | Advisory | Advisory issued due to bacteria levels exceeding state standards; beachgoers should avoid water contact. |
| Imperial Beach | Reopened | Water contact closures lifted for beaches near Carnation and Cortez avenues after meeting state health standards. |
| Coronado | Reopened | Shoreline from Avenida Lunar through North Beach reopened following confirmation of no contamination from Tijuana River flows. |
| General Advisory | In Effect | Advisory for all coastal waters, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, advising to avoid water contact for 72 hours after rainfall ends due to elevated bacteria levels. |
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