If you were planning to catch some waves or simply float in the ebb and flow along some of Los Angeles County's beaches, you might want to pause that thought. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is waving a red flag at beachgoers with a warning to avoid frolicking in the ocean waters at several specific sites due to unhealthy levels of bacteria.
Issued warnings suggest steering clear of areas such as Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica Pier, both Inner and Outer Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, and the Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach. According to a bulletin from the Department of Public Health, these sections are off-limits following the latest water quality tests which revealed bacterial levels that exceed what is deemed safe for public health.
Amidst concerns for public safety, there is a sliver of good news for ocean enthusiasts. The health department has lifted the previously issued warnings for Big Rock Beach and Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu. Recent testing shows that the waters at these beaches meet the state's standards for water quality, signaling an all-clear for those yearning for a dip in the Pacific.
For those looking to stay up-to-date on the condition of the beach waters, there's a 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. It's a handy tool for checking whether it's safe to take the plunge or to plan for a land-based alternative. More detailed information and a map of the impacted areas can be found on the Los Angeles County Public Health's website; just be sure to plan ahead before packing that sunscreen and towel.
