The waters off several Los Angeles County beaches have been stamped with a stark warning by the Department of Public Health, advising beachgoers to steer clear of taking a dip, catching waves, or indulging in any water play in specific areas known for increased bacterial levels. Among the beaches flagged with warnings are Santa Monica Pier and Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, where a 100-yard radius from both the pier and the storm drain is pegged as a zone to avoid, while the inner Cabrillo Beach swim area in San Pedro gets a blanket recommendation for avoiding water contact entirely.
Visitors frequenting Venice Beach would do well to give the waters around the Rose Avenue storm drain a wide berth—specifically, a hundred-yard berth, as the latest tests have shown bacterial numbers rocketing past what’s deemed healthy, and it's the same scenario for locals looking to enjoy Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, where the entire swim area is caught up in the warning web.
Nevertheless, not all beach news is gloomy—Los Angeles County brings tidings of relief for several beach areas, where lingering concerns have subsided and water quality has bounced back to conform to State standards. Clean bill of health has been restored in beach zones such as Herondo Street storm drain in Hermosa Beach, and spaces around Malibu Pier.
From Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach, there's still an active advisory in play due to the impact of fires. The county's Environmental Health department continues to counsel the public to stay away from ocean water where advisories are ongoing and to be wary around any visible remnants of fire damage.
For residents and tourists burning with queries or seeking the latest updates, the online bulletin remains a key resource alongside the advisory hotline, easily reachable for those in the know at 800-525-5662, and for more direct contact or specific questions, the Public Health Beach program can be reached at (626) 430-5360.
