Is it safe to surf or swim in South San Diego? Attend our workshop to find out

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(c) TRNERR.org

Have you ever been standing on the beach, looking at the waves and thought, should I go in? Did it rain yesterday? How do I know if I will get sick or not if I go surfing or swimming today? If you answered, you are certainly not alone. The quality of water along our shores and in our creeks remains a significant concern for recreational users. Parts of our county, like beaches in south county, are notorious for having consistent closures.

That is why the annual South San Diego Water Quality Workshop: When is it safe to swim, surf? was developed. Tijuana River National Estuary Research Reserve, the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observatory System, WiLDCOAST, Surfrider San Diego and San Diego Coastkeeper invite you to come out and hear some of the details about how our local agencies monitor water quality at our beaches, how decisions are made to close beaches or post advisories and ways you can help monitor in the watersheds in South San Diego.

The workshop is free but registration is encouraged. The workshop will be happening at the TRNERR Visitor Center on Wednesday October 12 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. And because we know you want more than just good information, we will also provide some snacks and raffles! Come out, meet some new people, learn a few things, and share some yummy food. For more information check out the event web page.

Objective: To provide recreational users and local decision-makers with information and practical tools to better understand water quality monitoring, the process that influences beaches closures and advisories, and how to safeguard human health
6:00PM  WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Kristen Goodrich, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
Paloma Aguirre, WiLDCOAST
6:10PM  SCCOOS: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO I USE IT?
Lisa Hazard, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Amanda Dillon, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
6:40PM WHAT GOES INTO WATER TESTING? METHODOLOGY OF OCEAN WATER SAMPLING
Ewan Moffat, Department of Environmental Health, San Diego County
7:00PM WHEN IS IT SAFE TO USE THE OCEAN?  METHODOLOGY FOR BEACH CLOSURES
Ewan Moffat, Department of Environmental Health, San Diego County
7:15PM HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?  WATER QUALITY WIKI AND MONITORING PROGRAM
Jen Kovecses, San Diego Coastkeeper
Dan Murphy, Surfrider San Diego