Health officials flag multiple high-risk swim zones amid temperatures expected to top 90 degrees.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Health officials in Los Angeles County issued warnings this week advising the public to avoid entering ocean water at several beaches due to elevated bacteria levels, as a regional heatwave pushes temperatures well above normal.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said March 18 that water samples collected along portions of the coastline showed bacterial levels exceeding state health standards, increasing the risk of illness for swimmers, surfers and beachgoers.
The advisory applies to multiple locations between Malibu and Santa Monica, particularly near storm drains, creeks and high-traffic areas. Officials identified affected zones within 100 yards of several sites, including the Culver Boulevard storm drain at Dockweiler State Beach, restrooms at Leo Carrillo State Beach, Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, the Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, Topsail Street in Venice, the lagoon at Topanga Canyon Beach, Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach, and the entire swim area at Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey.
Officials did not specify the exact type of bacteria detected but said the contamination levels were sufficient to trigger public health advisories.
At the same time, some previously impacted areas have seen improvements. Advisories were lifted at Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, the Santa Monica Pier, Puerco Beach, Will Rogers State Beach near Tower 18, and Surfrider Beach in Malibu.
The warnings come as Southern California experiences a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures running 25 to 35 degrees above normal. The National Weather Service said highs across Los Angeles are expected to exceed 90 degrees on March 19 and 20, with widespread daily and monthly records likely.
Officials noted that elevated temperatures can increase beach attendance, raising the potential for exposure in affected areas.
Concerns about water quality are not limited to Southern California. National data indicates that bacterial contamination remains a recurring issue at beaches across the United States. A recent report found that nearly two-thirds of tested beaches nationwide recorded at least one day in 2024 where contamination levels exceeded recommended thresholds.
The same analysis found that 79 percent of West Coast beaches exceeded standards at least once during testing periods, while more than 450 beaches nationwide were considered potentially unsafe for swimming on at least a quarter of the days monitored.
Health officials are advising the public to avoid water contact in posted areas until conditions improve and to monitor updates as testing continues.
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