Santa Monica Beach Unsafe For Swimming Due To Bacteria Levels: County

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

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

• Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach
• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms)
• Santa Monica Pier (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier)
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro
• Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach
• Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach
• Malibu Pier

Meanwhile, the department lifted earlier warnings for two area beaches after recent samples found water quality levels within state standards:

• Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove
• Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State beach, near Will Rogers Tower 18.

Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline at 800- 525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information is available at the public health department's website.