Santa Monica Beach Unsafe For Swimming Due To Bacteria Levels

SANTA MONICA, CA — High bacteria levels prompted public health officials to warn against getting in the water at five Los Angeles County beaches, including one in Santa Monica.

That's on top of a general warning for beachgoers to stay out of the water at any beach until 11 a.m. Tuesday due to rain over the weekend.

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.

On Friday, officials warned that swimming in the water at the following beaches may cause illness:

• Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu (100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon)
• Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier)
• Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach (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 of the pier)

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.