Los Angeles County beachgoers, you might want to hold off on that swim or surf session. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is waving the red flag at several beaches due to unsavory bacterial levels that just don't meet the health standards. So, if your plans include hitting the sands of Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, Santa Monica Beach, or several other popular spots, it'd be wise to steer clear of the water for now.
Some of the specific areas slapped with warnings include 50 feet west of the pier at Avalon Beach, the entire swim area at Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, and, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Santa Monica Pier. If you're set on catching some waves or just wading in the ocean, maybe rethink that for the time being—the bacteria levels are higher than what you'd want to tangle with.
The Windward storm drain area, previously under a warning, has now been deemed clear, so feel free to dip your toes in there. The County makes it easy to keep tabs on beach conditions with their 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. It's always a good shout to check before you go, to avoid any nasty surprises.
If you've got questions or just want to voice your concerns about when you can next safely do the butterfly stroke in your favorite patch of sea, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is on standby. Call them up at (626) 430-5360, or better yet, take a virtual stroll to their website for the latest updates on water quality and beach statuses. Just keep in mind, folks, this is about your health, so better safe than sorry when it comes to taking that ocean plunge.
