LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County health officials are warning beachgoers to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the ocean at several popular coastal locations after testing found elevated bacteria levels that exceed state health standards.
The warnings come as Southern California remains under a prolonged heat wave, sending many residents toward the coast in search of cooler temperatures.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water use warnings for four beach areas:
- Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, covering the entire swim area.
- Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, covering the entire swim area.
- Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, covering 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.
- Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, covering 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
Health officials said visitors should avoid contact with ocean water in the affected areas because bacteria levels may pose a risk to public health.
Information reviewed by Street People indicates the county lifted a previous warning for the Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach after recent water quality testing showed improvement.
The advisories arrive during a stretch of above-average temperatures across Southern California, with heat advisories in effect in several areas. Forecasters said significant relief from the heat is not expected immediately.
Public health officials routinely monitor ocean water quality along the county’s coastline and issue warnings when bacteria levels exceed standards set to protect swimmers and surfers from potential illness.
Residents can check the latest beach conditions by calling the county’s 24-hour beach advisory hotline at 800-525-5662 or visiting the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s beach water quality page.
The warnings will remain in place until follow-up testing shows bacteria levels have returned to acceptable limits.
