The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has slapped ocean water use warnings on multiple beach areas across the county, citing bacterial levels that surpass health standards.
Warnings extend from the perennial hotspot, Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, to the popular stretch of sand adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier, not to mention several other locales that include parts of inner and outer Cabrillo Beach, as well as piers in Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach, among others. Specific advisories advise keeping a distance of 100 yards from affected areas, especially around piers and storm drains — where contaminants often make their unwelcome presence felt.
This alert is meant to linger like a bad horror movie, at least until further testing indicates it's safe to resume ocean activities. According to a bulletin from the public health department, these advisories were issued after recent testing of the waters showed bacterial levels reaching unsavory heights. Beachgoers are recommended to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in these ocean waters where warnings are in place. It's a bummer for those looking to catch a wave or have a splash but, health and safety first.
There's a 24-hour beach condition hotline courtesy of the county, just dial 1-800-525-5662 to get the latest updates. Plus, the department's website features a map of affected areas for visual reference.
