Officials are telling swimmers to think twice before jumping into the ocean water in Los Angeles County.
The warnings, which serve as cautions rather than orders, come after debris from the devastating Palisades Fire was spotted in ocean water off the coast of Malibu.
The warnings extend from Las Flores State Beach in Malibu down to Santa Monica State Beach.
They’ll remain in effect until further notice.
Swimming in that water is not explicitly banned, although officials warn the public to stay away from debris.
“An ocean water advisory does not mean ‘do not go to the beach at all’ or ‘do not go in the water,'” said Nicole Mooradian of the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors. “It’s very much a, ‘we really advise you to stay out of the water, but if you do decide to go in, it’s at your own risk.’ But please stay out.”
Part of the recovery efforts have included a search for potentially contaminated materials that may have slipped into the ocean. Potential rain over the next several days could push more debris into the water.
Sediment in the sand is not a risk to beach goers, officials say, but it’s best to avoid all debris found on the sand.
