2 Santa Monica Beaches Found To Have Unsafe Bacteria Levels

SANTA MONICA, CA — Those looking to take a winter dip in the ocean may want to steer clear of some Los Angeles beaches as the County’s Public Health Department issued a bacteria advisory for 16 beaches — including Santa Monica.

The department collects samples weekly from various sites year-round to test and monitor bacteria levels. On Thursday, the division found the ocean water at the Santa Monica Pier and the Pico-Kenter storm drain exceeded state standards for bacterial levels.

The health department also issued advisories for the following beaches in the county:

• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach
• Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu
• Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove
• Escondido Creek at Escodido State Beach
• Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach
• Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach
• Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach
• Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach
• Windward storm drain at Venice Beach
• Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach
• Topsail Street extension at Venice Beach
• Venice Pier at Venice Beach
• Mothers Beach in Marina del Rey
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The Department of Public Health discourages swimming in the water at the beach because it may cause illness.

The public may see warning signs displayed at the beach. To view a list of the locations visit the Public Health Department’s website. The list will be updated when conditions change and the water is found to be safe to swim, surf and play in again.