Beachgoers in Los Angeles County are being warned to avoid the water at several popular spots due to high bacterial levels. The County of Los Angeles has issued advisories against swimming, surfing, and other ocean activities at Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, the Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove.
The warnings cover the entire swim area at Mothers Beach, as per the County of Los Angeles. At the other three locations, advisories extend 100 yards up and down the coast from the identified landmarks. Health officials typically issue such alerts when bacteria levels exceed safety standards, not to dampen beach plans but to prevent potential illness from exposure to contaminated water.
For those eager to swim or surf at Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, the coast is clear. Public health officials have lifted warnings there after recent tests showed bacteria levels within state health standards—a welcome bit of good news for beachgoers ready to get back in the water without worry.
The County offers a hotline for recorded information on beach conditions, accessible 24 hours a day at 1-800-525-5662, or you can visit their website for maps and more detailed information. For more information, the public can contact health officials directly at (626) 430-5360.
