Los Angeles County beachgoers are getting an unpleasant extended stay away from the surf and sand as the Department of Public Health has slapped an advisory overall county beach, warning of increased bacteria levels. Until Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 6:00 am, the rain advisory remains firm, urging the public to steer clear of the ocean water—especially near storm drains, creeks, and rivers where contaminants like to mingle after rainstorms.
The department points the blame on the recent downpours for washing a stew of pollutants—think bacteria, chemicals, even trash—into recreational waters and potentially turning a day at the beach into a health roulette. While you might think a quick dip wouldn't hurt, the county is clear: coming into contact with these waters could lead to illness, not to mention the displeasure of swimming amid debris and city runoff that the rainfall escorts into the ocean.
In a proactive move to keep the public informed, the department maintains a 24-hour beach closure hotline, 1-800-525-5662, where one can call for the latest soggy updates. Further details, including a map of affected areas, beckon from their website, a hub for those looking to keep one step ahead of the yuck. A visit to PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/ can provide those eager for a saltwater fix with all the necessary intel.
Adding to the coastal grimness, Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro remains a no-go zone, the unfortunate victim of a recent sewage spill—nobody's idea of a great beach day accessory. And while the advisory is set to lift early Saturday morning, don't get your board shorts in a twist just yet; if the skies decide to open up and grace us with more precipitation, the advisory might just get another unwanted extension.
