LA Health Department Cautions Against Contaminated Beaches

A lifeguard scans his territory near the famous Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif., on Aug. 20, 2013. Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department cautioned residents on July 25 to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean at Avalon Beach on Catalina Island, the Santa Monica Pier, and Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey—though these beaches remain open.

The warnings are due to a high level of bacteria exceeding state health standards, which may cause illness, especially for children and elderly people, according to the health department. The bacteria was identified during routine testing.

LA Public Health originally published alerts about the Santa Monica Pier and Mother’s Beach on July 12. Avalon Beach’s warning was first issued on July 21.

Information on the days these beaches are tested and updates on what areas to avoid can be found on an interactive map on the LA Public Health department’s website.

In some cases, the contaminated waters can be cleared quickly. For example, the Herondo Street storm drain in Hermosa Beach was identified as contaminated on July 18. However, it was cleared by the department on July 22.

Health experts advise residents to normally avoid beaches for three days after heavy rainfall since it commonly raises bacteria levels to unhealthy amounts due to pollution runoff returning to the ocean—especially around storm drains, rivers, and creeks.

Until the ocean’s bacteria levels return to a safe number, residents stuck in the flaming summer heat should turn to pools or other Southern California beaches offering a fun day to cool off.