Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Two Central Oregon Coast Beaches Under Health Advisories

Published 06/26/2019 at 5:53 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

Two Central Oregon Coast Beaches Under Health Advisories

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter

(Newport, Oregon) – Two high-profile beaches on the central Oregon coast have been issued health advisories as of June 26, calling for the public to stay out of the water at Agate Beach in Newport and Seal Rock State Park just south of town.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued the advisories due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Agate Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach, both in Lincoln County. Other beaches close by, such as Nye Beach in Newport, are not affected.

OHA found water samples from both areas had levels of fecal bacteria that were above normal, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. OHA said you should avoid contact with the ocean water in these areas until the advisory is lifted. Particularly vulnerable are the elderly and children, who can be affected more harshly by waterborne bacteria.

Exactly where the fecal matter comes from is never quite certain. OHA said it could be from the shore or inland sources, such as stormwater runoff, failing septic systems from nearby homes, sewers, or animal waste from wildlife or livestock.

Above: Seal Rock

A heavy presence of seagulls is thought to be the cause at times because of their droppings.

Although the advisory at Seal Rock and at Agate Beach keeps you out of ocean water, OHA also suggests staying out of nearby streams or pools of water. Whatever the advisory status, you should always stay out of oddly-colored pools of water or streams.

“Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm,” OHA said.

While you should not have contact with the ocean water, state officials say all other forms of recreation on these beaches are safe. There is plenty of beach at Agate Beach to play on, and Seal Rock has numerous fascinating rock structures to explore. Activities like picnicking, kiting, walking, etc. are encouraged.

Testing of these spots is ongoing after such declarations and test results usually take another 24 hours or so to return. Often, these advisories only last a day or two.

Check the Oregon Coast Beach Safety and Alerts page for constant updates, or visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free). More of Seal Rock and Agate Beach below:

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours



 





More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

 

Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss

 



Coastal Spotlight


LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Active Wave Week Along Oregon, Washington - Surf Up to 35 Ft High Coming
10 Nov 2026 at 3:51pm
Weekend will get dangerous again, then another system early week. Weather, sciences
Avian Influenza Hitting Oregon's Migrating Fowl, Especially Willamette Valley
10 Nov 2026 at 3:51pm
A growing number of sick and dead birds across the state. Salem, Eugene, Silverton, Albany, Corvallis
Two Fatal Wrecks: South Oregon Coast and Coast Range
9 Nov 2026 at 6:41pm
Two single-vehicle wrecks: one near Coquille and the other in the central Oregon Coast Range near Florence. Traffic, rescue
A Weekend of Near-Deadly Misses Along the Oregon Coast in Video
9 Nov 2026 at 6:41pm
More weather warnings on the way this week. Rescue, safety. Cannon Beach, Manzanita Neahkahnie Mt., Barview jetty, Lincoln City SW 35th, Depoe Bay Spouting Horn, Oceanside Tunnel Beach
South Oregon Coast's Holidays Go Bonkers at Brookings, Gold Beach, Cape Blanco
9 Nov 2026 at 6:41pm
Brookings' Festival of Lights, Hughes House, Gold Beach kids party and a musical. Gold Beach events, Brookings events, Port Orford events
Shore Acres Likely a Show Sunday: Where Else to Watch on Oregon / Washington ...
7 Nov 2026 at 8:54am
Big waves expected at Coos Bay, Cape Disappointment, Yachats, Depoe Bay, etc: but stay off beaches
Waves Up To 28 Feet Sunday: Various Surf, Wind Alerts Oregon and Washington C...
6 Nov 2026 at 10:57pm
This bodes well for places like Shore Acres or Cape Disappointment. Weather. La Push, Raymond, Ocean Shores, Westport, Long Beach, Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats, Florence, Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Coos Bay, Bandon, Gold Beach, Brookings
Waves as High as 28 Feet Coming to Oregon Coast - Washington Coast
6 Nov 2026 at 9:19pm
Keep up on all regional weather warnings, alerts. Seaside, Astoria, Cannon Beach, Lincoln City

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted

Oregon Coast Lodging
Rentals
Specials

Dining

Events Calendar

Oregon Coast Weather

Travel News

Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles

Virtual Tours, Maps
Deep Details