Officials are warning the public to avoid all Los Angeles County beaches due to high levels of bacteria caused by a heavy rainstorm arriving this week.
The ocean water warnings will remain in effect until Friday, March 14 at 4 p.m.
Due to significant rainfall, excessive bacteria, trash, debris and chemicals can seep from city streets and mountain areas to contaminate ocean waters, especially around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, explained 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 time could become ill, especially children, the elderly or those who are immunocompromised, officials said.
Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after rainfall ends. Once the rain advisory is lifted, an ocean water advisory from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach will be in effect until further notice.
“Beachgoers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory,” county health officials said.
The storm advisory may be extended depending on future rainfall conditions.
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.
