As the approaching long weekend of Memorial Day, health officials in Los Angeles County are urging the public to avoid the water at six popular beaches due to high levels of bacteria that may be related to fecal matter.
According to Fox11, yellow caution signs have been placed at the following beach areas, warning people to avoid swimming, surfing, and engaging in other water activities:
– The entire swimming area at Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.
– Within 100 yards along the shore at both upper and lower ends of the public restroom area at Surfrider Beach in Malibu Lagoon.
– The full swimming area at Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey.
– A 100-yard stretch along the shore at the Santa Monica Pier beach.
– Within 100 yards along the shore at the Pico-Kenter storm drain outlet at the State Beach in Santa Monica.
– Within 100 yards along the shore at Topanga Canyon Beach lagoon in Malibu.
Officials emphasize that the beaches remain open to the public. However, they advise people to refrain from swimming in areas with high bacteria levels.
“This is really disappointing,” said visitor Julia Ruscio at Mothers Beach. “You can’t even splash in the water, let alone swim. It’s really unfortunate not to be able to use the beach.”
A spokesperson from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated that the county tests the water quality at beaches to assess whether rainwater from the streets is introducing high levels of bacteria into the ocean, which could make swimmers ill.
Authorities explained that the high levels of fecal matter in the seawater might be attributed to factors such as large amounts of trash accumulation, marine debris like fresh seaweed, increased human activities, a rise in bird or wildlife population on the beaches, and stormwater systems discharging a substantial amount of rainwater into the ocean.
For the latest updates and beach closure and advisory information, individuals are encouraged to visit the official website of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or call the county health hotline at 1-800-525-5662.