Avoid July 4th Swimming At These 8 LA County Beaches Due To Bacteria Levels, Officials Warn

LOS ANGELES, CA — High bacteria levels prompted public health officials on Wednesday to warn against getting in the water at eight 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:

• Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, 50 feet west of the pier, and the Step Beach swim area east of the Casino arch
• Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica North Tower 12 and 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain
• Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
• The Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach, 100 yards up and down coast from the club border fence
• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, entire swim area
• Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain
• Santa Monica Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, entire swim area.

Additionally, earlier warnings have been cleared at one beach after followup testing revealed bacteria levels within state standards:

• Venice Beach (Windward storm drain)

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.