In a recent advisory, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has put out a warning for those looking to hit the beaches around certain areas of LA County. Visitors are urged to avoid ocean water activities such as swimming, surfing, and splashing around in several beach areas due to higher-than-normal bacteria levels.
Officials have pinpointed specific locales that boast water quality that has dipped below the safety line. Among the implicated spots are Topanga Canyon Lagoon at Topanga County Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier area at Santa Monica State Beach, with both being flagged for 100-yard stretches around their respective points of concern. The list goes on, with other areas like Herondo Street Storm Drain and the entirety of Inner Cabrillo Beach's swim area, to name a few. With the ongoing situation, the advice to steer clear of these waters comes as no surprise to the safety-conscious beachgoer.
For those not keen on memorizing the extensive rundown, a convenient beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662 is available 24 hours a day, providing recorded updates on the situation. Plus, Public Health LA County's website also has a map and more details for those inclined to check the status online before trudging down to the sand with their boogie boards and towels in tow.
While the red flags continue to fly in parts of the county, there's a silver lining for certain beach locales that have gotten the all-clear. Dockweiler State Beach at Culver Blvd Storm Drain, for instance, is now deemed safe after tests have shown the water now meets the State's health standards. With these amended statuses, beachgoers are given a mixed bag when it comes to choosing their coastal spots. But regardless of the various advisories and clearances, it's crucial to remember that these warnings and updates are about keeping the public safe while they enjoy California's storied shorelines.
For those with queries concerning the beach water use warnings, the LA County Department of Public Health can be reached at (626) 430-5360, offering direct support for pressing questions.
