The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is waving a red flag at several popular beaches, advising the public to avoid getting into the water due to unhealthy bacterial levels. According to a public notice released on March 15th, you'll want to avoid swimming, surfing, and even toe-dipping around Santa Monica Pier and several other locations unless you're up for a gamble with your health.
Specifically, the health department is signaling areas around Santa Monica Pier, Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, and beaches to Inner Cabrillo Boat Launch in San Pedro. The health warning stretches 100 yards from Santa Monica Canyon's storm drain up and down the coast and envelops entire swim areas at other mentioned spots, telling frequent visitors where bacterial levels have gone rogue.
The root of the problem? High bacterial counts in these areas, discovered upon last testing, exceed the standards that keep you safe. While the health department's bulletin didn't specify what's causing this bacteria bonanza, seasoned beach lovers know that it's usually a mishmash of urban runoff, particularly after rainfall, stormwater pollution, and even occasional sewer overflows that can turn a beach day sour. For the full map of no-go zones and a deeper dive into the details, the County's website has got you covered.
But don't reach for your wetsuit in despair just yet. There's a silver lining for some spots where water quality levels have given the green light, sliding right back within State health standards. The pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach and the Windward storm drain at Venice Beach have both been cleared, which means they are back in business for beachgoers.
And if you're the type who needs constant updates, Los Angeles County's beach closure hotline is at your service round-the-clock at 1-800-525-5662, ready to spill the latest on where the ocean is your friend or foe. As for when you can safely return to the tainted territories, further ocean water quality test results are still on the horizon after the recent rain advisory. Until then, keep your beach days dry and grounded in clear-water shores.
