Following the recent deluge that has blanketed the Long Beach area, the City's Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has issued a warning against taking a dip in the local beaches and bays. After a substantial 24-hour rain session, a health advisory is now in place, cautioning residents and visitors to steer clear of recreational water activities, as the runoff from storms is likely to pump pollutants straight into these aquatic playgrounds.

The advisory, which currently urges the public to avoid swimming for at least three days post-rainstorm, may be set for extension, should Mother Nature decide to keep the taps flowing. Long Beach's Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Rice Epstein, articulated in a statement that the water quality could be compromised, affecting the health of potential bathers.

Citizens who may be itching for a swim should hold onto their goggles a bit longer, as the Health Department stringently follows state law that mandates the public be informed about these potential health risks. The city hasn't left residents out to dry when looking for more information. A dedicated Water Quality Information Line at 562.570.4199 and the department's website offer daily updates on the status of the water quality at local beaches.

For more detailed updates on the quality of beach water, officials at the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services have made available resources for the community. Media contact for this matter is the department's Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Rice Epstein, who can be reached at 562.441.3590 or through her email at [email protected] for inquiries, the advisory emphasized.