High bacteria levels have prompted the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to advise against swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at five local beaches. These beaches include Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach, Mother Beach in Marina Del Rey, Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.
Recent testing revealed that bacterial levels exceeded health standards at these locations. However, the department has removed earlier warnings for the Temescal Canyon storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach and the Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica State Beach near Santa Monica South Tower 20 as recent samples found water quality levels within state standards.
Beach conditions can be checked 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. Additionally, additional information as well as a map of impacted locations can be found on the county’s website. It is important for people planning to spend Memorial Day weekend at the beach to exercise caution and follow these guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being.