The skies have opened up, and so have warnings for all Los Angeles County beachgoers. The Department of Public Health is telling folks to steer clear of the ocean water, especially by those pesky storm drains, creeks, and rivers, until Sunday, February 4, at the crack of dawn – and no, we're not talking about a refreshing morning dip.
It turns out that when it rains, it pours more than just water. All that runoff from city and hillside streets ends up in the ocean, bringing with it bacteria, chemicals, and trash that could make swimmers sick. The health department has slapped on a 72-hour rain advisory following the deluge, noting that these waters are no place for a swim until the advisory lifts.
Despite the advisory being slated to end early Sunday morning, if Mother Nature decides to keep the spigot on, that advisory just might get extended. Beach buffs would do well to keep an ear to the ground or rather, an eye on their screens for updates.
For those seeking information regarding the current state of beaches, Los Angeles County provides a reliable source of updates. By dialing their 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, individuals can receive the latest information. Alternatively, for those who prefer visual aids, a map of affected areas is available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/. This resource provides not only geographical information but also seeks to assist in avoiding the potential for exposure to harmful pathogens.
