Health officials warn swimmers to steer clear of five LA County beaches

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has cautioned residents and visitors to avoid five heavily frequented beaches after water samples indicated bacterial concentrations surpassing health guidelines. The sites flagged include Venice Pier, Santa Monica Pier, the East Wilshire Boulevard storm-drain outlet at Santa Monica Beach, Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. Officials advise against any ocean-related activities such as swimming, surfing or beach play at these locations due to the elevated risk of illness.

An earlier alert concerning the storm-drain outlet was later removed when subsequent testing showed the water to be safe. The advisory comes amid a heat wave that has pushed inland temperatures into the high 90s, prompting many to head to the cooler shoreline. Signage at the affected beaches now warns the public of the heightened bacterial levels.