Hitting the waves in LA County might need a rain check as health officials raise red flags at several popular beaches. The LA County Department of Public Health issued an ocean water use warning for myriad beach areas, advising against plunging into the surf thanks to bacterial levels that shot beyond health standards. The details were laid out in a bulletin released on December 28, targeting top surf spots like Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach and brushing close to urban favorites like Venice Pier.
The caution stretches along the coast, imposing a no-go zone for aquatic activities at multiple locales. High bacterial readings were found at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and the scenario similarly plagues areas adjacent to several storm drains, including the one at Escondido State Beach's Escondido Creek. Swimmers, surfers, and beach bummers alike are urged to steer clear as the department's announcement detailed the tainted waves to avoid health risks.
Some respites from the bacterial blues do exist, with authorities lifting warnings for swatches like Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, indicating a return to safer waters. The state's standards for water quality became the benchmark clearing the reputation of these previously listed no-swim zones, as evident from the fresh set of samples.
An around-the-clock beach condition hotline at 1-800-525-5662 serves updates, and an online map of the affected and cleared areas is accessible to the public eye.
