Los Angeles County officials have sounded the alarm for beachgoers looking to hit the sands for some ocean fun. In a statement given to the public, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has advised against swimming, surfing, or playing in ocean waters at various beach areas, citing elevated bacterial levels as the culprit. According to the County of Los Angeles, this warning particularly applies to stretches of coast near storm drains and creeks where sampling has revealed water quality issues.
The health department has indicated areas of Surfrider Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and several storm drains along Venice Beach among others as no-go zones for water activities. Pico-Kenter, Ashland Ave., Windward, and Dockweiler State Beaches all have a 100-yard perimeter around their storm drains where water use is cautioned. Escondido Creek and Solstice Creek, known to weave their way to the ocean, also fall within this warning. The entirety of Mothers Beach swim area in Marina Del Rey and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro are also being avoided by ocean lovers following the announcement.
To the relief of local water enthusiasts, a silver lining emerges as recent water samples have given a clean bill of health around the Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach. These areas have seen their warnings lifted and are now deemed safe for the public, a piece of information mirrored on the county's Environmental Health website.
A lingering advisory from previous fire impacts extends from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach. While the fire debris is no longer smoldering, visitors should avoid the water until officials give the all-clear. For updates, check the hotline at 800-525-5662. Questions about the water quality warnings or the status of specific beach areas can be directed to the department at (626) 430-5360.
