Los Angeles County beachgoers, take heed: The Department of Public Health has issued a wave of warnings about high bacterial levels at several popular coastal spots. The advisories, which span across various Santa Monica Bay beaches, urge residents to steer clear of swimming, surfing, or engaging in any water-based fun at the flagged locations due to water quality concerns.
The list of beaches now considered unsafe for water sports and frolicking includes well-known destinations such as Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach, the entirety of the swim areas at Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, and Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, amongst others. Specific caution is recommended around storm drains and creeks, where samples have shown bacterial levels that shoot past health regulations, according to a public health notice.
Perhaps not everything is doom and gloom for LA's dedicated beach enthusiasts, though. The Public Health Department's recent announcement also comes with a silver lining: Big Rock Beach in Malibu, previously listed under caution, has now been given the all-clear. Water quality there now meets the state standards necessary for safe ocean frolicking.
If you're looking for the latest information on beach conditions, it's as easy as a quick call to the beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, which operates 24 hours a day. Alternatively, the Public Health's website offers an up-to-date map of impacted locations for those who prefer a digital approach.
