The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has just put out a warning for several popular beach destinations, advising locals and tourists alike to avoid oceanwater activities such as swimming, surfing, and frolicking near storm drains and piers. High bacterial levels, which exceeded health standards during the last test, are the culprit behind the safety concern.
Among the spots where advisories have been issued are the areas surrounding the Windward storm drain at Venice Beach, Mothers Beach at Marina Del Rey, and the pier at Santa Monica, to name a few. Notices are demarking a 100-yard safety boundary around these areas, intending to prevent people from unknowingly wading into risky waters. According to the County of Los Angeles, California, specific locations such as Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove and Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach also fall under this advisory.
To help beachgoers navigate the do's and don'ts of seaside recreation, warnings have been lifted for certain areas previously on the watch list. Both Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach and Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach have been cleared, with water quality returning within state standards. For those seeking a safe splash, visiting these now-cleared areas might be the best bet.
If you're looking to stay informed about the condition of the water before you grab the sunscreen and shades, there's a lifeline – a recorded hotline that provides 24-hour updates on beach conditions. By simply dialing 1-800-525-5662, one can stay in the loop on any new developments. For a more visual representation, the Public Health's website offers a map detailing the impacted locations, as reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
