Los Angeles County beachgoers, think twice before taking a dip. The Department of Public Health has issued an ocean water use warning for several LA County beaches, alerting residents of heightened bacterial levels that pose health risks, so if you were planning on surfing or paddle-boarding in these areas, you might want to reconsider for now.
The affected spots include the entirety of Latigo Shore Drive swim area in Malibu, Santa Monica Pier and adjacent stretches of beach, Pico-Kenter storm drain near Santa Monica Beach South Tower 20, and Ashland Ave. storm drain by Santa Monica South Tower 28, not forgetting Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey where the risk runs through the entire swim area, according to information provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
For those wondering if it's all doom and gloom, there's a silver lining—Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro is back in business, the warnings having been lifted as recent testing showed water quality levels are now making the grade. This means that some areas initially bruised by bad bacteria are bouncing back, offering a splash of hope for those looking to get their feet wet without the worry.
Details on beach conditions can be heard through the grapevine—or more reliably on the County's 24-hour beach closure hotline, just dial 1-800-525-5662, yet those seeking a visual guide on the no-go zones can snag a view of the impacted locations and fetch further information by visiting the PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/, as per the official alert.
