Los Angeles County isn't just famous for its stars and freeways, it's also home to some of the most iconic beaches in the country. However, beachgoers are being told to think twice before diving in, as the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an ocean water use warning for several popular spots along the coast. High bacterial levels have put a damper on the fun, and the department is urging residents to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at affected areas.

Specific beaches that got the no-go include Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach, Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, and areas surrounding Santa Monica Pier, among others. Anyone with plans to visit those locations should steer clear of the water, where bacteria have been measured at levels exceeding health standards. In particular, Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach, and a stretch near Tower 18, are cautioned against due to their proximity to sources of contamination, such as storm drains and run-offs.

Nevertheless, there's a silver lining for some. Warnings have been lifted for several other locales, including Malibu Pier and Venice Beach. It's a reminder that while nature's beauty beckons, the health of the environment is in a delicate balance—ever subject to the influence of both natural elements and human activities.

Keep up-to-date and stay safe; beachgoers can call the county's 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662 for recorded information, or they can visit the Public Health website for a detailed map of all impacted locations. And, as always, the county will keep monitoring the water quality to ensure that when it's safe to go back into the ocean, the public will be the first to know.