Before you pack your towel and head to the shore, you might want to double-check your beach plans. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a water quality warning for eight beaches across the county after recent tests revealed elevated levels of bacteria. These warnings are a precaution to help keep beachgoers safe from potential health risks.
Health officials are advising everyone to avoid swimming, surfing, or even wading in the ocean at the affected spots. While it’s still okay to enjoy the beach from the sand, ocean water activities are discouraged for now. The advisory applies to specific areas around piers, storm drains, lagoons, and swim zones where bacteria levels were found to exceed health standards.
The following beaches are currently under warning:
- Topanga Canyon Beach (Malibu)
100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon
- Redondo Beach Pier (Redondo Beach)
100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
- Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove
100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
- Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica)
100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
- Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach
100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain
- Mothers Beach (Marina Del Rey)
Entire swim area
- Inner Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)
Entire swim area
- The Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach
100 yards up and down the coast from the club’s border fence
If you’re unsure whether your favorite beach is safe, the County’s 24-hour beach hotline (1-800-525-5662) has up-to-date recorded info.