The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a rain advisory for all county beaches in effect until at least Saturday, at 8 a.m. due to the amount of rainfall over the past few days. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.
Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, director of public health for the county, is cautioning residents who are planning to visit area beaches to be careful of swimming, surfing and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers. Bacteria, debris, trash and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters though these outlets.
“Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach, and therefore, anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing,” said Fielding. “We do advise swimmers and surfers to stay away from the storm drains, creeks and rivers as there is the possibility that bacteria or chemicals from debris and trash may contaminate the water near and around these areas, and some individuals may become ill.”
Recorded information on area beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline at (800) 525-5662.
Daily Press