Silver Strand and part of Coronado added to county’s beach closures

The Silver Strand shoreline and the southern end of Coronado were added to San Diego County’s list of beaches closed to swimmers because of high bacteria levels on Sunday.

“The water contact closure previously in place for the Tijuana Slough and Imperial Beach Shorelines is being extended to include the Silver Strand Shoreline and Coronado Avenida Lunar,” states a news release from the county Department of Environmental Health and Quality.

“The Tijuana River is flowing and reaching recreational waters,” it said. “Beach goers are advised that the ocean water contains sewage and may cause illness. Ocean waters will remain closed until sampling and field observations confirm these areas are safe for water contact.”

South of there, the Imperial Beach shoreline has been closed from the south end of Seacoast Drive through Imperial Beach Pier since Aug. 2, officials said. The ocean shoreline from the U.S.-Mexico border, including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, have been closed since Dec. 8, 2021, because of cross-boundary sewage flows.

Advisories, not closures, are in place for five areas of the county: North Bonita Cove in Mission Bay; La Jolla Cove in La Jolla; the Children’s Pool in La Jolla; the San Dieguito River outlet in Del Mar; and the San Elijo Lagoon at Cardiff State Beach.

The advisories generally are the result of animal activity, nearby stagnant water or runoff from nearby neighborhoods. Officials say that water is less of a health hazard, but recommend people avoid contact.