Santa Monica Beaches Unsafe For Swimming Due To Bacteria Levels: County

SANTA MONICA, CA — High bacteria levels prompted public health officials on Tuesday to warn against getting in the water at six Los Angeles County beaches, including several in Santa Monica.

The LA County Department of Public Health collects samples weekly from various sites year-round to test and monitor bacteria levels and issues warnings when levels exceed health standards.

On Tuesday, officials warned that swimming in the water at the following beaches may cause illness:

• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro (entire swim area)
• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms)
• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey (entire swim area);
• Santa Monica Pier (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier);
• Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica State Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain)
• Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu (100 yards up and down the coast from the Lagoon)

Meantime, the department lifted earlier warnings for four other beaches after recent samples found water quality levels within state standards:

• Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove
• Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach
• Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach, near Will Rogers Tower 18
• and
• Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach.

Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline at 800- 525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information is available at the public health department's website.

City News Service contributed to this report.