Public Health issues ocean water use warnings for L.A. County beaches

Signs warn the public to stay out of the water in an area harboring high bacteria levels near a drain at Will Rogers State Beach on Aug. 7, 2007, in Pacific Palisades. (Credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

by: Iman Palm

Posted: Jan 17, 2024 / 04:44 PM PST

Updated: Jan 17, 2024 / 04:44 PM PST

High bacteria levels have prompted the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to issue ocean water use warnings for multiple L.A. County beaches Wednesday.

Officials are encouraging beachgoers to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the ocean water at the following locations:

The entire swim area at Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu
100 yards up and down the coast from the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica
100 yards up and down the coast from the Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach near South Tower 20
Entire swim area at Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach in Malibu
Entire swim area at Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms at the Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

However, it’s not all bad news. A warning for the beach area near the Ashland Avenue storm drain near South Tower 28 has been lifted, a news release said.

Residents can get more information on beach conditions by calling the county’s beach hotline at 1-800-525-5662 or by visiting the L.A. County Public Health website.