SANTA MONICA, CA — Public Health officials in Santa Monica issued an advisory for all city beaches due to possible increases of bacteria in ocean waters.
The warning was issued on Wednesday after significant rainfall hit Los Angeles County, and will likely be extended as the county is forecasted to see more showers through the New Year.
“Bacteria levels can increase significantly during and after rainstorms, as contaminants within the runoff enters the ocean,” according to the LA County Department of Public Health. “Elevated bacteria levels in ocean water may cause illness, especially in children and the elderly.”
Officials recommend avoiding contact with ocean water for three days after rainfall to avoid illness, especially near flowing storm drains, creeks and rivers.
There is also a high surf advisory in place for LA County beaches due to the storm through Wednesday night. Along the coast, high surf and strong rip currents will impact beaches with waves reaching anywhere from five to 10 feet tall.
Surf will be highest on west and north-facing beaches and will likely peak Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon according to NWS. The weather agency urged people to stay off racks and jetties, stay back from the water and never turn your back to the water.
Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662. Information is also available on the LA County Department of Health’s website.
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