County environmental health officials remind beachgoers to avoid contact with the ocean during the 72 hours following a rainstorm.

Rain washes pollutants into local creeks which carry them to the ocean where they can sicken swimmers who come in contact with them, said Liberty Amundson, county environmental health specialist.

For example, five beaches in the county were posted with signs Thursday warning beachgoers of high bacteria levels in the water. The posted beaches are at Avila Beach east and west of the pier, Cayucos State Beach north and south of the pier and Morro Bay City beach at Atascadero Road.

High bacteria levels can cause cuts to become infected as well as ear, eye and upper respiratory tract infections.