Los Angeles County beachgoers are being hit with a wave of warnings about where to avoid getting in the water due to high bacterial levels. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging residents to steer clear of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at several beaches that have been swamped with contaminants.

Specific locations under the Department's microscope include areas around Santa Monica Pier, where a 100-yard radius has been deemed risky. Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove and Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach received blanket warnings for their whole swim areas. Meanwhile, Pico-Kenter storm drain near Santa Monica Beach's South Tower 20 and the Windward storm drain at Venice Beach are also in the no-swim zone, extending 100 yards from each storm drain.

Why the caution tape around these hot spots? Bacterial levels that leapfrog over health standards, that's why. These sunny locales, idyllic for beach-lovers and surf-seekers, have regrettably been flagged for water quality concerns. Recent tests by the authorities revealed that the bacteria numbers were off the charts in these areas when they were last checked.

The officials have given the all-clear for a pair of beach areas. The Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach - particularly near Will Rogers Tower 18 - and Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey have been patted on the back for their water quality levels, which are now bobbing comfortably within State standards.

While some test results are still pending, particularly following the recent rain advisory, the County's been diligent in keeping their beach closure hotline and website brimming with the latest updates.