If you're planning a beach day in Los Angeles County, you might want to think twice before diving into the surf. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an ocean water use warning for several popular beaches in the area. High bacterial levels found during the latest tests have raised health concerns, urging residents to steer clear of the affected waters for swimming, surfing, and other water play activities.
The affected beach areas include familiar spots that are often bustling with locals and tourists alike. Notably, the Redondo Beach Pier and Santa Monica Pier have both been flagged with a 100-yard no-go zone surrounding their bustling centers of attraction. According to the advisory, Mother's Beach in Marina Del Rey and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro are under warnings for their entire swim areas.
This isn't an isolated incident—other beaches under warnings include Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach, Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, and Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach, where advisories designate the entirety of their respective swim areas as potential health risks. Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove and Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu are also under advisories, again extending 100 yards from high-traffic areas such as piers and public access points.
Beachgoers should be aware that these warnings are not mere suggestions; they are based on water quality tests that have detected bacterial levels surpassing health standards. This can pose serious risks to public health, particularly for those with compromised immune systems or open wounds. Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach, Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach, and Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach are among the other locales deemed ill-suited for water activities until further notice.
For those seeking updated information on beach conditions, the County maintains a 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. Comprehensive details and a map of impacted locations can be found on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's website. Before you pack your beach bag and slather on the sunscreen, it's advisable to check the latest advisories and ensure your chosen slice of coast is clear for a splash.
