Residents of Los Angeles County looking to beat the heat this weekend might want to think twice before jumping into ocean waters at several local beaches. On a warning note issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, beachgoers are advised to avoid swimming, surfing, and ocean play at various popular spots along the coast due to elevated bacterial levels that could pose health risks.
The advisories issued for affected areas span the county's scenic beaches, including the total swim areas at Ramirez Creek, Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach, and Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach among others—and let's not forget Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, Inner Cabrillo Beach, as well as patches near Santa Monica Pier and others, where bacteria levels in the water are throwing a wrench in coastal fun; clearly, it’s time to cross off a few go-to spots on that beach day itinerary. Those looking for more information or updates can call the county's beach closure hotline or hit up the department's website, as reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
It's not all gloomy for beach enthusiasts, as there's a silver lining—waters at Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach have been declared safe once again for all ocean activities, according to the County of Los Angeles, California. This comes after recent testing showed water quality levels meeting California's state standards, giving the green light for swimmers and surfers to return to the waves.
The public can stay informed by keeping an ear to the county's beach closure hotline, available 24 hours a day, checking the latest updates on the situation on their website, ensuring that the only thing they'll be soaking up is the sun, not harmful bacteria.
