Los Angeles

Beachgoers Warned as Bacterial Levels Soar in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and Malibu

AI Assisted Icon
Published on October 13, 2023
Beachgoers Warned as Bacterial Levels Soar in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and MalibuSource: Unsplash/ Shirley Wang

Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised a warning for various beaches in the region. Residents and visitors have been recommended to avoid water activities due to bacterial levels that exceed health standards. This information was confirmed by their press release.

Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, Dockweiler State Beach, Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, and Herondo Street storm drain in Hermosa Beach are among the affected areas. The bacterial levels were reported to exceed health standards during the most recent water tests. A map depicting the impacted locations has been shared on the department's website.

It is advised for beachgoers to take these warnings into account to avoid exposure to high levels of bacteria in ocean waters. There could be different symptoms ranging from mild skin irritations to severe gastrointestinal issues, depending on the type and level of bacteria.

This issue doesn't only affect Los Angeles County. Similar warnings were issued earlier this year in Orange County for elevated bacterias in ocean waters near popular beaches.

For the convenience of the public, the department has activated a 24-hour hotline, 1-800-525-5662. This provides recorded information regarding beach conditions and closures in the Los Angeles County region. It is advised for beachgoers to call this hotline to get recent updates before planning any beach activities..