5 LA County Beaches Unsafe For Swimming Due To Bacteria Levels

LOS ANGELES, CA — As heat warnings are set to remain in effect this weekend, most of Los Angeles County beaches are safe for swimming — though authorities on Friday warned against getting in the water at five beaches due to high bacteria levels.

The LA County Department of Public Health collects samples weekly from various sites year-round to test and monitor bacteria levels and issues warnings when levels exceed health standards.

On Friday, officials warned that swimming in the water at the following beaches may cause illness:

• Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove (100 yards up and down the coast from Paradise Cove Pier)
• Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach
• East Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain)
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro
• Santa Monica Pier (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier)

Meantime, an earlier warning was lifted for Castlerock storm drain at Topanga County Beach after follow-up testing revealed sample results within state standards.

Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline at 800- 525-5662. More information is available at the public health department's website.