The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is telling residents to think twice about diving into the waters at several local beaches. The health department has slapped Ocean Water Use warnings on a plethora of coastal spots, urging the public to avoid swimming, surfing, or engaging in water play, and it's all due to bacteria levels that are higher than what's considered healthy.
The list of areas to steer clear from, for now, is extensive: Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach is completely off-limits for water use, and the same goes for the entirety of the swim areas at Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, and Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach, according to a bulletin released by the county. At Marie Canyon, Ramirez Creek, and Ballona Creek, it's best to avoid the ocean 100 yards in either direction from certain landmarks—public access steps, the Paradise Cove Pier, and Dockweiler Tower 40, respectively.
Warnings have also been issued for Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach, and both Topanga Canyon Beach and Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach where the warning zones extend 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoons and the public restrooms. The iconic Santa Monica Pier has not been spared either; advisories are in effect there too.
Dockweiler State Beach and Venice Beach have recently been given the all-clear, with newer sample results showing that the water there now meets state quality standards.
For maps and more details on these warnings, visit the Public Health Department's website.
