Los Angeles County Public Health officials are advising beachgoers to think twice before diving into the waves at certain local spots. Elevated bacteria levels have prompted health warnings at several LA County beaches, including the waters at the Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach and the entirety of Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, among others. The department strongly suggests avoiding swimming, surfing, or playing in these ocean areas due to the potential health risks associated with these heightened bacterial levels.
In a statement released on January 3rd, outlined were specific areas to be avoided. For example, Santa Monica South Tower 20 is now surrounded by a caution zone extending 100 yards up and down the coast from the Pico-Kenter storm drain. Similar advisories have been applied to the Pulga storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach, with Tower 5 notably situated at the drain, and several other locations. If you're planning to quickly hit the surf or enjoy a family beach day, be sure to check ahead to ensure your destination is not on the list. The full advisory and a map of impacted locations can be found at the Los Angeles County Public Health website.
Not all news is grim for beach enthusiasts, however. Certain areas previously under warnings have been declared safe once again. Zuma Creek at Zuma Beach and the Strand Street extension at Santa Monica Beach are now considered to be within State health standards for water quality. This comes as a relief to regulars of these locations, who can now return to enjoy the ocean water without concern.
Keeping the public informed, Los Angeles County provides a 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, which can be called to receive updates on beach conditions.
