Stay Off This Monterey Coast Beach

Health officials posted high bacteria warnings at a popular state beach in Monterey County on Tuesday, warning beachgoers to avoid contact with ocean water until further notice.

County director of environmental health Allen Stroh said in a statement that routine samples taken Monday from the ocean at Monterey State Beach showed an unusually high bacteria count and exceeded state safety standards, posing a risk of possible illness to anyone coming into contact with the water.

Beach advisory notices have been posted on the 3-mile state beach until future samples show bacteria levels are low enough for safe contact with the water.

"There are various sources of bacteria such as marine life and other animals; rainfall runoff; storm drains; and human activity," Stroh said in his statement.

The beach is shared by the cities of Monterey and Seaside.

Updated information on Monterey Peninsula Beaches can be obtained by calling the county hotline at 800-347-6363.