Public Safety
LA County warns swimmers away from 11 beach areas
Public-health officials say recent samples found bacteria above state standards at shoreline locations from Malibu to Torrance.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised people not to swim, surf or play in the water at 11 beach areas after tests found elevated bacteria levels. The Oct. 2 advisory says the affected locations include the Pico-Kenter storm drain and Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica; Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove; the Rose Avenue storm drain in Venice; the Castlerock storm drain at Topanga County Beach; Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes; Manhattan Beach Pier; and four sites around Redondo and Torrance beaches.
Where the warning applies
At Walnut Creek, Portuguese Bend and the Rose Avenue storm drain, the warning covers the entire swim area. At the other sites, it extends 100 yards in both directions from the named pier, street, drain or lifeguard tower. The county said exposure may increase the risk of illness.
The same update cleared Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach and Inner Cabrillo Beach after new samples met state standards.
Official advisory and current conditions: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health →