The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is waving a big red flag for beachgoers considering a swim in the ocean at several popular beaches throughout the county. Due to concerning levels of bacteria found in the water, warnings have been issued against swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at designated areas. These areas include Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Inner Cabrillo Beach, Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach, Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach, Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach, and Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey.
In an announcement posted on their website, the Department pointed out that the bacterial levels at each site were above the health standards upon their last tests. Specifically, the stretches of 100 yards up and down the coast from the respective sources of pollution have been given the no-go for water activities. This includes areas surrounding public restrooms, piers, lagoons, and storm drains, wherein unseen microbes may pose risks to human health.
However, the same announcement gives the all-clear for the area around the Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, with water quality levels reportedly meeting the State standards after recent testing.
The County has provided a beach closure hotline available 24 hours at 1-800-525-5662 for those seeking real-time updates on beach conditions. Meanwhile, detailed maps and further details on the impacted locations can be accessed on their official site.
