The Advisory Comes As Hot Weather Is Expected to Draw Large Crowds to Southern California Beaches This Week

Los Angeles County health officials warned beachgoers to stay out of the ocean at several beaches, including areas around the Venice Pier, Santa Monica Pier, Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, after water samples showed bacteria levels exceeding California health standards. The warnings cover 100 yards on either side of the Venice and Santa Monica piers and the entire swim areas at Mother's Beach and Inner Cabrillo Beach, with officials saying swimming and other water activities are unsafe until conditions improve. The advisory comes as hot weather is expected to draw large crowds to Southern California beaches this week.

An earlier warning for the Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach was lifted after new testing showed water quality had returned to state standards. Redondo Beach has also seen its water samples fall within California's standards after similar warnings last week. The county advises residents to check the latest beach water quality reports before entering the ocean, with advisories available through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's beach hotline and website.

In July, officials in nearby Orange County closed a quarter mile of beach after 2,000 gallons of sewage spilled due to a sewer line pump malfunction. Beach closures are issued when sewage contamination reaches the ocean or when officials believe there is a serious public health risk, and entering the water in closed areas can increase the risk of illness, particularly for children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline, 1-800-525-5662, and a map of impacted locations is at PublicHealth. LA County.gov/Beach/.