A sewage spill has led to the closure of a section of a well-loved California beach, with officials advising the public to avoid the area entirely.

On Wednesday, March 25, approximately 300 gallons of sewage leaked near Avalon Beach, contaminating both the ocean and the shoreline sand in Avalon. The spill prompted authorities to implement an immediate closure of the ocean water, extending about 50 yards on either side of the affected area. This picturesque stretch of Santa Catalina Island’s coast has now become a hazardous zone, with officials urging people to keep away from the water and even the wet sand.

Health officials have warned that ignoring the closure could lead to illness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Efforts are underway to monitor the situation, with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health conducting regular water tests. The beach will remain closed until two consecutive tests confirm that bacteria levels have returned to safe state standards.

The cause of the spill is still unknown, as officials have not released any information about the source of the discharge. Cleanup and testing operations are ongoing as authorities work to resolve the issue.

What caused the spill remains a mystery, with officials offering no details on the source of the discharge as cleanup and testing efforts continue.

The closure throws a wrench into plans for visitors hoping to enjoy the island’s typically pristine waters, now sidelined by a wave of pollution concerns.

Authorities are urging anyone heading to Catalina to check the latest updates before making the trip, as conditions could change depending on test results.