Los Angeles County health officials warned beachgoers Thursday to avoid ocean waters at six coastal locations because of elevated bacteria levels.
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:
— Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, near Santa Monica South Tower 20, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain;
— 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.
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.