Swimmers and surfers beware: the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is sounding the alarm over increased bacterial levels at several popular beaches, recommending that visitors avoid engaging with the ocean water in affected areas due to health concerns. This advisory spans from Malibu to Marina Del Rey, putting a damper on water activities at some of the county’s most frequented coastlines.
High bacterial readings—a red flag for public health—have precipitated this warning, and while it's not a total shutdown of the beach, it sure puts a dent in the plans of water enthusiasts eager to dive into the waves at spots like Las Flores State Beach and Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach where the entire swim area is affected; others like Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach and the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica are seeing restrictions within 100 yards of their designated points.
While numerous areas remain under this advisory, there’s a silver lining for those looking to catch a wave or take a dip, as the Department of Public Health has lifted warnings for Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach, Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach near Dockweiler Tower 40, and the Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach according to the information released by the County of Los Angles Department of Public Health. It appears that water quality levels at these locations have returned to State standards—good news for beachgoers loyal to these particular spots.
For those wanting to stay up to date on the swim conditions—and possibly avoid showing up at the beach only to be turned back, disappointed, there is a 24-hour beach closure hotline provided by the county at 1-800-525-5662; moreover, an interactive map of the affected areas can be found on their official website, offering real-time updates for the conscientious beach lover looking to navigate the bacterial landscape of L.A. County's expansive coastline.
