Stay Safe: Choose Other Activities at Certain LA County Beaches

Ocean Water Use Warning Issued for Local Beaches Amid Heat Wave

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has issued an Ocean Water Use Warning for multiple local beaches, including Malibu’s Leo Carrillo State Beach and Topanga Canyon Beach, due to elevated levels of bacteria in the water.

In light of the current record-breaking heat wave, health officials are advising the public against swimming, surfing, or engaging in any activities in the ocean at selected beaches across LA County. The warning specifically affects the following locations:

• Dockweiler State Beach at the Culver Boulevard Storm Drain, extending 100 yards up and down the coast from the drain.
• Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.
• Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.
• Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.
• Wilshire Boulevard Storm Drain at Santa Monica Beach, near the Santa Monica North Tower 12, also covering 100 yards from the storm drain.
• Topsail Street Extension in Venice, extending 100 yards in either direction from Topsail Street.
• Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey, encompassing the entire swim area.
• Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

Health officials noted that recent water samples from these locations revealed bacterial levels exceeding health standards, increasing the risk of illness for beachgoers.

A similar warning was issued earlier this week, impacting additional beaches in the region. However, the LACDPH reported that some of those beaches have since shown water quality levels within state standards, leading to the lifting of the Ocean Water Use Warnings at several locations, including:

• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.
• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica.
• Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach.
• Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach, near Will Rogers Tower 18.
• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach.

For the latest updates on local beach conditions, the public may call LA County’s pre-recorded beach hotline at (800) 525-5662 or access the county’s ocean monitoring map for real-time information about water quality.

As temperatures soar, residents looking to escape the heat can find relief at Cooling Centers located throughout Southern California.