Executive Summary
- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued ocean water use warnings for multiple beaches due to elevated bacteria levels.
- Affected areas include specific locations at Santa Monica Beach, Inner Cabrillo Beach, Paradise Cove, and Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey.
- Officials have simultaneously lifted warnings for other areas, including Malibu Lagoon and Topanga County Beach, where water quality has improved.
- Residents can access updated information via a county beach hotline and the public health department’s website.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a public advisory against swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at several county beaches. The warnings come after recent tests revealed bacteria levels exceeding state health standards, posing a potential risk to public health.
Affected Beach Locations
Health officials have specifically cautioned the public to avoid the water at the following locations:
- Santa Monica Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the Pico-Kenter Storm Drain near South Tower 20.
- Inner Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro: The entire swim area.
- Santa Monica Pier: 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
- Paradise Cove: 100 yards up and down the coast from Walnut Creek.
- Santa Monica Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the Wilshire Boulevard Storm Drain near North Tower 12.
- Mother’s Beach, Marina Del Rey: The entire swim area.
Cleared Beach Locations
In contrast, advisories have been lifted for some areas where recent water quality tests have shown improvement. These locations are now considered safe for recreational use:
- Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach
- Topanga Canyon Lagoon at Topanga County Beach
- Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach
The Department of Public Health encourages residents to check for the latest updates on beach conditions. Information is available by calling the county’s beach hotline at 1-800-525-5662 or by visiting the official L.A. County Public Health website.