Los Angeles County beachgoers, take heed before you jump into the surf. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an Ocean Water Use Warning for several popular beaches, raising concerns over bacterial levels that could put your health at risk. If you're planning a beach day, you might want to check which spots are currently flagged for their less-than-ideal water conditions.
The warnings encompass a range of Los Angeles County beaches where bacterial levels have been found to exceed healthy standards upon last testing. Sensitive areas include Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach, and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, among others. Visiting these locations might be tempting with their scenic views and recreational opportunities, but for now, the public health department advises against swimming, surfing, or playing in these waters. The full list of beach warnings can be found here.
However, it's not all bad news for sea lovers and sunbathers. The Department of Public Health has lifted warnings for certain areas, including the Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20 is now deemed within State standards for water quality, clearing it for public enjoyment. Beachgoers can rejoice at having at least one less spot to worry about regarding water-related health concerns.
If you're wondering about the current conditions before you pack your beach towel and sunscreen, Los Angeles County provides a 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. They also maintain an informative website, where you can view maps of impacted locations and stay updated on beach status.
