SANTA MONICA—A beach water advisory is in effect for all Los Angeles County beaches until 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours following significant rainfall. The advisory may be extended depending upon further rainfall.

Residents and visitors of L.A. County have been warned to avoid contact with ocean water around storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to the presence of bacteria, debris, and other hazards washed down by rain.

Los Angeles County Health Officer, Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, is cautioning against swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean. Individuals who enter the water in impacted areas could become ill as a result of contact with the water. The young and the elderly are susceptible to illness if exposed to the contaminated water.

The County of Los Angeles Public Health indicated on its website that “discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach; therefore, anybody who wants to go to the other areas of the beach can still enjoy their beach outing. All spots clear of these areas are thus exempt from the advisory.”

All recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day from the County’s beach closure hotline, and can be reached at 1-800-525-5662.

Additional information can be found at the L.A. County’s Public Health website.