Beachgoers seeking relief from the Southland’s lingering heat Wednesday were warned to avoid ocean waters at five Los Angeles County locations because of elevated bacteria levels, while warnings at seven other beaches have been lifted.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued the warnings after recent water samples showed bacterial levels exceeding state health standards, which may increase the risk of illness.
The department advised people to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the water at the affected locations.
The warnings apply to the following sites:
— Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, entire swim area;
— Redondo Beach Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier;
— Redondo Beach at Sapphire Street, 100 yards up and down the coast from Sapphire Street;
— Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain; and
— Torrance Beach at Malaga Cove, just north of RAT Tower, 100 yards up and down the coast from the lifeguard tower.
Meanwhile, warnings have been lifted at seven locations after recent water samples showed bacteria levels within state health standards.
Those locations are:
— Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes;
— Avenue I storm drain at Redondo Beach;
— Santa Monica Pier;
— Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, near Santa Monica South Tower 20;
— Rose Avenue Storm Drain at Venice Beach;
— Manhattan Beach Pier; and
— Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.
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.