County Issues Beach Advisory After Wednesday's Storm

An advisory at all Los Angeles County beaches will be in effect until at least 5 p.m. Saturday because Wednesday’s rain could increase the chance of the water becoming contaminated, interim Health Officer Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser announced.

Gunzenhauser advised beachgoers to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers because bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters though these outlets.

Swimmers and surfers are advised to stay away from discharge sites because of the possibility bacterium or chemicals from debris and trash could contaminate the water near and around discharge sites and individuals entering the water in these areas could become ill, Gunzenhauser said.

Areas of beaches apart from discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers are exempted from the advisory, Gunzenhauser said.

With discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers comprising only a small portion of the county’s beaches, anybody wanting to go to a beach will still be able to enjoy their outing, Gunzenhauser said.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock