The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory for all county beaches, cautioning residents to avoid water contact near storm drains, creeks, and rivers following recent rainfall. The advisory is in response to the increased bacteria levels that typically result from runoffs, which can pose health hazards like chemical contamination and debris.
This advisory directly affects where it's safe to swim and where it's not - and right now, it's not, particularly around the spots where the city's runoff typically collects and includes the sandy parts of the beach that might harbor residue or standing water that's equally risky. The Department's alert will hold until Saturday, March 8, at 1:00 pm, but it could be pushed out if further rainfall occurs, which is not out of the question at this time of year.
Even after the rain advisory ceases, the waters from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach will remain under an advisory due to lasting impacts from recent fires. The Department advises beach visitors to limit their activities to the sand, avoiding any tempting surf and steering clear of any remnants of the previous blazes scattered about.
Residents looking for updates on beach conditions don't need to get their feet wet; information is readily available via the County's 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. And for those who like their updates digital, the Department's website offers a map of the impacted locations, the advisory notice provided details stressing that ocean water advisories due to fire impacts will remain in effect until further notice.
Questions and concerns haven't fallen on deaf ears—the public can reach out directly to the authorities with any inquiries by dialing (626) 430-5360.
