Los Angeles, California — Southern California beachgoers are being urged to use extra caution this week after health officials issued warnings for nine popular beach areas because of elevated bacteria levels in the ocean.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water use warnings after testing found bacteria levels that exceeded state health standards.
The warnings come as hot summer weather continues across Southern California, with residents and visitors heading to the coast to cool off.
Health officials are warning that swimming in the affected areas may increase the risk of illness.
Hermosa, Redondo and Santa Monica Areas Affected
Several well-known beaches and coastal recreation areas are included in the warnings. At Hermosa Beach Pier, the warning covers an area extending 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
At Redondo Beach, swimmers are being warned away from the area around the Avenue I storm drain, with the warning extending 100 yards in both directions.
Santa Monica has several affected locations, including areas around storm drains and the Santa Monica Pier.
The warnings are particularly significant because Santa Monica remains one of the region’s most popular destinations for swimming, surfing and other beach activities.
Full List of Affected Beach Areas
According to the health department’s warnings, the affected locations include:
- Hermosa Beach Pier in Hermosa Beach — 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
- Avenue I storm drain at Redondo Beach — 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
- East Montana Avenue storm drain at Santa Monica State Beach — 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
- Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach — 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
- Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove — 100 yards up and down the coast from Paradise Cove Pier.
- Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach — entire swim area.
- East Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach — 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
- Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro — entire swim area.
- Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica — 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
Mother’s Beach Warning Has Been Lifted
Not every recent warning remains in effect.
A previous warning affecting Mother’s Beach at Marina Del Rey has been lifted after testing showed the water had returned to levels that met state water-quality standards.
That development indicates that beach conditions can change quickly as officials conduct additional testing.
For swimmers, however, health officials’ current warnings remain important, particularly in areas near storm drains and creek outlets where bacteria levels can rise.
Why Beachgoers Should Take the Warning Seriously
Elevated bacteria in ocean water can increase the risk of illness for people who swim or come into contact with contaminated water.
The warnings arrive during one of the busiest periods of the year for Southern California beaches, when hot weather can bring large crowds to the coast.
Officials previously issued another bacteria warning earlier this month affecting areas in Santa Monica and San Pedro, highlighting the ongoing need for beachgoers to pay attention to local water-quality updates.
Anyone planning to swim should check the latest advisories before entering the water, particularly at locations currently listed under an ocean water use warning.
With temperatures remaining high and beach crowds expected to continue, the warnings serve as a reminder that clear-looking ocean water does not necessarily mean conditions are safe for swimming.
Have you visited any of these Los Angeles beaches recently? Would a bacteria warning change your plans to swim? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
