O.C. beaches exceeded health standards in 2006

California beaches saw about the same number of pollution-related closures and health advisories in 2006 as the previous year, while beach closures and advisories nationwide last year hit a record high, the Natural Resources Defense Council said Tuesday.

Beaches in California were closed or warnings were posted 4,644 times last year, according to the council’s annual report. Closures and warnings occur when bacteria levels show a possible health risk to swimmers and surfers.

In Orange County, various beaches exceeded health standards. Newport’s worst spot was in the bay at the Newport Boulevard bridge, where water samples exceeded health standards 39% of the time. The cleanest beaches in Newport, with no closures or postings, were at Rocky Point, the Wedge, Newport Pier and two spots at Crystal Cove State Park.

— Alicia Robinson