Los Angeles County residents seeking relief from the current heat wave have been cautioned to stay out of the ocean at seven local beaches. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that recent water samples from these sites revealed bacterial concentrations that exceed California’s health standards, raising the risk of gastrointestinal illness for anyone who enters the water.
Specific beaches under advisory
The advisory applies to the following locations: Alondra Beach, Cabrillo Beach, Dockweiler State Beach, El Segundo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. At each of these sites, the department’s testing program detected elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria, a common measure used to assess water safety.
Health risks and recommended actions
Exposure to contaminated water can cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The department advises anyone who has already been in the water and develops these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
To protect public health, the department recommends that residents and visitors avoid swimming, surfing, or allowing children to play in the water at the affected beaches until further notice. Those who still wish to enjoy the shoreline can walk along the beach, sunbathe, or engage in other non‑water activities.
How to stay informed
Beach conditions are monitored continuously, and updated information is available 24 hours a day through the county’s beach hotline at 800‑525‑5662. A detailed map of the advisory locations, along with additional guidance, can be accessed at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.
Residents are encouraged to check the hotline or website before heading to the coast, especially during periods of high temperature when bacterial growth can increase.
Background on water quality monitoring
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health conducts regular water quality testing at all county beaches. Samples are collected and analyzed for bacterial indicators such as Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. When levels rise above the state’s permissible limits, the department issues advisories to protect swimmers and the broader community.
These advisories are part of the county’s broader effort to maintain safe recreational waters and to inform the public about potential health hazards. The department works closely with local municipalities, the California Department of Public Health, and environmental agencies to address sources of contamination and to improve water quality over time.
What families can do
Parents are urged to discuss the advisory with their children and to plan alternative activities that do not involve water exposure. Local parks, hiking trails, and indoor community centers can provide safe options for family recreation during the heat wave.
By staying informed and following the health department’s guidance, residents can enjoy the summer while minimizing the risk of water‑borne illness.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
