The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is waving a red flag for beachgoers looking to dive into the ocean at several popular spots. Reports indicate that certain areas along Los Angeles County beaches are contaminated with bacteria levels that soar past the acceptable standards for healthy water use, prompting an official warning to would-be swimmers, surfers, and sandcastle architects.
Among the affected locations are the storm drains at Montana Ave. and Wilshire Bl. at Santa Monica Beach—notoriously problematic areas after heavy rainfall—as well as the Topaz Street jetty at Redondo Beach, Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, and the vicinity around the Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid getting into the water within a 100-yard radius of these sites. Public health officials are urging residents to absolutely refrain from any contact with the ocean water in these areas to avoid any potential for illness.
These advisories come on the heels of routine water quality tests revealing alarmingly high bacterial figures. The source of such contamination frequently traces back to stormwater runoff, which can carry various pollutants directly into the ocean. With the bacterium levels exceeding health standards, the warnings will remain in effect until subsequent tests show the water is again safe for public use.
For those looking to keep abreast of the situation, the county maintains an up-to-date, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-525-5662. Moreover, a detailed map of the impacted locations can be readily accessed, allowing beachgoers to stay informed and safe. The Public Health Department's website is yet another resource where concerned citizens can seek to thoroughly educate themselves on the current state of our coastal waters.
The official bulletin, issued just yesterday, provides the specifics on where and why the warnings have been placed. With the health of local residents and the environment at stake, the public must heed these advisories until the waters have been deemed safe once more. For any additional inquiries, the Department of Public Health can be contacted at (626) 430-5360.
