Los Angeles County beachgoers, take note: several popular coastal destinations are now under a cautionary banner due to elevated bacterial levels. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued warnings against swimming, surfing, or engaging in any water play at specific sections of various beaches, which include Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, Walnut and Ramirez Creeks at Paradise Cove, the Bel Air Bay Club, Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach, and the area around Santa Monica Pier. These areas have recorded bacterial levels that exceed the thresholds deemed safe by health standards, according to official reports.
The authorities have furnished a radius of 100 yards around creeks and drains, and included the entire swim area of Mothers Beach as no-go zones. While the beach is a prime summertime magnet for locals and tourists alike, it's important to heed these advisories to avoid potential health risks. To stay in the loop about which tide pools and waves may be off-limits, the county has made available a 24-hour beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, as well as an online resource complete with a map of affected areas at the L.A. County Public Health website.
Meanwhile, bathers and sun-lovers can find some relief as fresh updates also bring good news: the previous warnings for Avalon Beach at Catalina Island have been lifted. The latest sampling data shows that this area is now compliant with state water quality standards, lifting a veil of concern for everyone looking to bask near the 50 feet west of the pier.
For those with questions or in need of further clarifications, the Department of Public Health can be reached at (626) 430-5360.
