Officials are asking the public to avoid several Los Angeles County beaches due to high levels of bacteria on Tuesday.
The ocean water warnings will remain in effect beginning June 18 until further notice.
Excessive bacteria and debris can seep from nearby city streets and mountain areas and contaminate ocean waters, especially around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, said the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
The warning also includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.
People who enter the ocean during this period could become ill, especially children, the elderly or those who are immunocompromised, officials said.
The public is asked to stay out of these L.A. County beaches:
- Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Will Rogers Tower 18 – 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek
- Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu – 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon
- Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach – The entire swim area
- Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey – The entire swim area
- Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach – 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms
- Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica – 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
- Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach – 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek
- Malibu Pier in Malibu – 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
Visitors should avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at this time.
The health department tests ocean water bacteria levels regularly and advisories will be lifted once the levels meet standards set by the state of California.
For a map and the latest information on beach closures and warnings, check the L.A. County Department of Health’s website or call the county’s hotline at 1-800-525-5662.
To report a beach emergency or issue, call the L.A. County
