Los Angeles beachgoers, beware. Public health officials are waving a red flag against taking a dip in various L.A. County beaches due to high levels of bacteria found in the water. Sources from the L.A. County Department of Public Health, through a recent bulletin, have urged residents to avoid swimming, surfing, and water play at several popular spots along the coastline.

The specific areas slapped with warnings include the entirety of Inner Cabrillo Beach's swim area, a section of Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach near public bathrooms, and Mothers Beach's swim area in Marina Del Rey, to name a few. These advisories signify that testing has revealed bacteria counts high enough to potentially to harm the public health. For those looking for more info or a full rundown of the implicated locations, the County provides a 24-hour beach closure hotline and more data can be found on their website.

It's not just a couple of isolated patches hit with warnings, either. The stretch includes Santa Monica Pier, where you would want to steer clear at least a hundred yards around the pier itself, and an adjacent area at the Pico-Kenter storm drain near Santa Monica State Beach. For those frequenting Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, they'll also have to sidestep ocean activity right next to the Lagoon. And if Will Rogers State Beach was on your agenda, take heed around the East Temescal Canyon Storm Drain.

These ocean warnings are nothing to sneeze at. Beachgoers should be conscientious about where they choose to take their plunge - contaminated waters can lead to ailments ranging from stomach cramps to more severe infections. The health department's emphasis is clear: safety first. While they continuously monitor and test the waters, it is up to individuals to heed their advice seriously and stay informed in real-time via their hotline.