Los Angeles County beachgoers have been warned to stay out of the water because of high bacteria levels.
The county Department of Public Health said March 29 that people planning to visit beaches should “avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters.”
The warning comes as runoff from recent rains has brought more bacteria and debris to the ocean, making it unsafe.
“These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested,” the department said in the statement. “Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact near flowing creeks and storm drains.”
The department specifically warned against visiting the following beaches:
- Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18. 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.
- Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica. 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
- Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20. 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
- Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach. The entire swim area.
- Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach. The entire swim area.
- Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach. 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.
- Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey. The entire swim area.
The department “routinely collects ocean water samples every Monday at 40 sampling sites” and tests for bacteria, according to its website.
For more information about beach conditions, visitors can call the county’s beach closure hotline at 800- 525-5662.
Visitors can also visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/ for more information or to see a map with affected locations.
