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Officials are asking the public to avoid several Los Angeles County beaches due to high levels of bacteria on Wednesday.
The ocean water warnings will remain in effect beginning May 1 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 Pier in Santa Monica – 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18- 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach – 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu – 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro – The entire swim area Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu – 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps Malibu Pier in Malibu – 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier. Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach – 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach – The entire swim area Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach – The entire swim area Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach – The entire swim area Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach – 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain
“These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested,” the health department said.
Visitors should avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at this time.
A previous warning for these beaches was lifted after testing showed the water quality fell within safe standards:
Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
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 Operator at 626-430-5360 or during after-hours at 213-974-1234.
(source)