The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a statement warning residents to steer clear of ocean water activities like swimming, surfing, and playing at specific beach areas due to elevated bacterial levels. Per the advisory, Santa Monica Pier and Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey are currently under watch, with health standards for bacterial levels not being met at these locations.
An ongoing ocean water advisory is in effect from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach, an effect to recent fires in the vicinity. While the sand may still be prime for sunbathing and beach picnics, public health officials are advising against any contact with ocean water and to avoid any fire debris that may be visible on the beach, according to a bulletin updated on the County's Environmental Health website.
Specific areas around Santa Monica Pier have been pinpointed, with a 100-yard radius up and down the coast as no-go zones. Mothers Beach is seeing a total swim area warning, which might disrupt a lot of weekend plans. These advisories are not taken lightly, as they are based on recent testing confirming that current bacterial levels exceed the norms considered safe for public health.
The details of these advisories, along with updates on when they might be lifted, are made readily available to the public. You can dial in at 800-525-5662 for the latest info or check online. If any questions persist, the county health department is reachable at (626) 430-5360.
