Los Angeles County beachgoers, take heed: health authorities have slapped several popular coastal spots with ocean water use warnings due to worrisome bacterial levels. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, bacteria counts have soared past acceptable health standards at several iconic spots, including Santa Monica Canyon Creek and Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach. For those of you planning to dive into the waves, surf the swells, or frolic in the foam, you might want to think twice and check the latest updates on beach conditions.
The affected areas span from Santa Monica to Malibu with advisories in place for a 100-yard stretch surrounding creek and lagoon outlets, and adjacent to the piers, which might be enough to give pause to even the most enthusiastic ocean lovers, residents planning to head to the beaches are advised to avoid any contact with ocean water in these areas, including swimming, surfing, and playing, which makes for a beach day that's probably less wet than usual. Specific beaches to keep an eye on are Topanga Canyon Beach, Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach, Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, and several others that are detailed in the public advisory.
Such warnings are not unheard of, as urban runoff and other sources regularly impact coastal waters, this kind of contamination can especially spike after rainfalls – though county officials have not explicitly blamed the recent weather for the current high bacterial levels. For the safety of the public, the Department of Public Health routinely monitors the water quality at beaches across the county and issues warnings whenever the bacteria levels pose a significant risk to human health.
Concerned beach enthusiasts and local residents can keep abreilt of the latest information concerning beach conditions by dialing in to the County's beach closure hotline, available 24 hours a day at 1-800-525-5662, or by visiting the Department of Public Health's website, which includes a detailed map of impacted locations and further information for those wanting to stay informed. Remember, it pays to keep up to date with these warnings: nobody wants what's supposed to be a relaxing day at the beach to turn into a sick day in bed.
