4 LA County Beaches Unsafe For Swimming Due To Bacteria Levels

LOS ANGELES, CA — High bacteria levels prompted public health officials on Monday to warn against getting in the water at four Los Angeles County beaches.

The LA County Department of Public Health collects samples weekly from various sites year-round to test and monitor bacteria levels and issues warnings when levels exceed health standards.

This week, officials warned that swimming in the water at the following beaches may cause illness:

• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey (entire swim area)
• Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps)
• Santa Monica Pier (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier)
• Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier)

An earlier warning at Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu was cleared on Monday after recent sample results identified water quality levels within state standards.

The warnings come as the Southland is gearing up for what the National Weather Service is calling the "most significant" heat wave of the summer. Temperatures are expected to be over 100 degrees in many inland areas.

Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline at 800- 525-5662. More information is available at the public health department's website.