Public health advisory lifted for water at 5 Oregon coast beaches

Beverly Beach

Beverly Beach is a popular state park campground and day-use area on the central Oregon coast. (Jamie Hale/The Oregonian)LC- Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

UPDATED Friday, Sept. 13: Public health advisories for marine water have been lifted at Beverly Beach State Park and the Agate Beach and Seal Rock state recreation sites, as well as Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site and Rockaway Beach.

Health officials still recommend people stay out of large pools on beaches that birds frequent — as well as runoff from those pools — because the water might contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

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Health officials on Wednesday issued a public health advisory after heightened bacteria levels were found off three Oregon coast beaches.

The Oregon Health Authority said visitors should avoid direct contact with the water off Beverly Beach State Park and the Agate Beach and Seal Rock state recreation sites until the advisory is lifted. People should also avoid wading in area creeks, discolored water and water pooled on the beaches.

They should stay away from water runoff flowing into the Pacific Ocean, as well.

Health officials said heightened fecal bacteria levels can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, rashes and upper respiratory infections, among other illnesses.

Children and elderly people might be more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria, officials said.

Officials said it’s still safe to enjoy the beaches themselves. Each of the beaches are in Lincoln County.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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