Alert out for five popular Los Angeles County beaches as bacteria levels spike

If you’re planning to hit the beach in Los Angeles to deal with the hot summer temperatures, you might want to think again.

A warning from the Los Angeles County Public Health Department is telling people to avoid five popular spots in LA county after “recent water samples showed bacterial levels exceeding health standards.”

The bacterial levels exceeded levels that “could increase the risk of illness,” according to the announcement.

Officials said beachgoers should avoid surfing, swimming or playing in the ocean waters due to bacteria levels at several popular places including spots in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey and San Pedro.

The following are the place to avoid in Los Angeles County. 

• Venice Pier
• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica 
• East Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach
• Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

An earlier notice included Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, but that has since been removed because recent samples showed the water quality levels were safe, per officials.

The warning couldn’t come at a worse time for Southern Californians dealing with hot temperatures — including inland temps in the high 90s from Wednesday through Sunday — leading many to seek a respite at the beach where it’s considerably cooler during the day.

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