Tourists flock to the beach in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Officials are urging residents to avoid several Los Angeles County beaches after high bacteria levels were detected Tuesday.
of Seawater Warning It will be in effect from June 18th until further notice.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, excess bacteria and debris can seep up from nearby urban and mountainous areas and contaminate ocean water, especially around drains, streams and rivers.
The warning also includes runoff water that may flow or pool on beach sand.
Officials say going into the water during this time could make people sick, especially children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
The public is asked to avoid the following Los Angeles County beaches:
- Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Will Rogers Tower, about 18-100 yards up the shore from the creek.
- Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu – about 100 yards along the coast from the lagoon
- Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach – Entire swimming area
- Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey – entire swimming area
- Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach – about 100 yards along the coast from the public restrooms
- Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica – about 100 yards along the coast from the pier
- Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach – about 100 yards along the shore from the creek
- Malibu Pier, Malibu – About 100 yards along the coast from the pier
Visitors are advised to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the ocean at this time.
The health department regularly tests the bacteria levels in the water and the advisory is lifted if the levels meet standards set by the state of California.
For maps and the latest information on beach closures and warnings, LA County Health Department website Or call the county hotline at 1-800-525-5662.
To report an emergency or problem at a beach, call Los Angeles County.
