Health Officials Warn Beachgoers of Bacteria During Heat Wave

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – As Southern California begins a stretch of dangerous heat, health officials Wednesday were warning people visiting Los Angeles County beaches to avoid entering the water at several locations because of elevated bacteria levels.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water warnings for the following locations:

— Montana Avenue storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain;

— Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach near South Tower 20, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain;

— Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, entire swim area;

— Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, entire swim area;

— Castlerock storm drain at Topanga County 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; and

— Santa Monica Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

Health officials said recent water samples showed bacteria levels exceeding state health standards, increasing the risk of illness for swimmers, surfers and others entering the water.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline, 1-800-525-5662. A map of impacted locations and additional information are available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.