Residents and visitors in Los Angeles County with beach plans might need to rethink their day by the water. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is waving a red flag about ocean water usage at several popular beach spots. According to official warnings, increased bacterial levels have been detected at specific locations, meaning swimming, surfing, or even just frolicking in the waves could be a health risk.
The health department is specifically targeting several beaches, including the area around Windward storm drain at Venice Beach and Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove, where bacterial levels are over the healthy limit. Affected areas extend 100 yards up and down the coast from identified points like storm drains and piers. But it's not just partial beach warnings, some areas like Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro are under general advisement for their entire swim areas.
For those insistent on getting their Pacific Ocean fix, it's not all doom and gloom. The County maintains a 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, where you can get the latest updates on water conditions. Further details, including a map of the affected locations, can also be found by visiting the Los Angeles County Public Health website.
