Advisory issued for high bacteria levels at Hare Creek Beach

FORT BRAGG, CA, 8/9/22 — Advisory warnings were posted along Hare Creek Beach in Fort Bragg Friday morning after a weekly bacteria sample taken Tuesday found elevated enterococcus levels in the ocean close to the creek drainage. 

Mendocino County’s Public Health department advised the public to avoid contact with ocean water for 50 yards on either side of the creek drainage entering the ocean, due to increased human health risks. More than 17 variations of these bacteria exist; if infections are contracted, they can be difficult to treat as enterococcus is highly drug-resistant.