With the region sweltering under a prolonged heat wave, health officials urged beachgoers Wednesday to avoid the water at eight Los Angeles County locations after tests detected bacteria levels exceeding state health standards.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised people to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the water at the affected locations, warning that the elevated bacteria levels could increase the risk of illness.
The warnings are in effect at:
— Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier;
— Bel Air Bay Club storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the club border fence;
— East Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, near Santa Monica North Tower 12, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain;
— Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, near Santa Monica North Tower 12, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain;
— Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove, 100 yards up and down the coast from Paradise Cove Pier;
— Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, throughout the entire swim area;
— Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, throughout the entire swim area; and
— Santa Monica Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
Meanwhile, health officials lifted the warning for Avalon Beach on Catalina Island after recent samples showed water quality levels within state standards.
Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach hotline at 800-525-5662. A map of affected locations and additional information are available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.