Public health officials have issued ocean water use warnings for multiple popular coastal spots due to elevated bacteria levels. Among the locations flagged are Santa Monica Pier and Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, where people are strongly advised to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean waters.
The advisory from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, released Friday, identifies the areas extending 100 yards up and down from Santa Monica Pier and the entire swim area at Mothers Beach as potentially harmful, with bacterial levels that have surpassed state health standards. The current advisories reflect the most recent test results, though the frequency of these tests and subsequent health risk assessments often fluctuate with changing coastal conditions.
Fortunately, the same health department also lifted warnings for several other beach areas where new tests have shown bacterial levels back within acceptable ranges, including spots at Topanga Canyon Beach and Malibu Pier in Malibu, as well as Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach and the area near Hermosa Tower TK. Visitors to Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach can also breathe easy knowing that these areas have been given the all-clear.
For the most current information on beach conditions, L.A. County residents and visitors can dial into the county's 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. Public safety officials will continue monitoring the water quality at various beaches across the county, ensuring the public is kept in the loop regarding any additional warnings or lift notices concerning ocean water use.
