NOTE: Santa Monica beach and pier, Long Beach playas and other beaches in Los Angeles County are closed today (Saturday July 18) due to inclement weather, and the’re likely to remain closed Sunday, as well.

Because of current rainfall, the County Interim Health Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, is cautioning residents who are planning to visit Los Angeles County beaches to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. Bacteria, debris, trash and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters though these outlets.

Discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach; therefore, anybody who wants to go to the beach will still be able to enjoy their outing. Swimmers and surfers are advised to stay away from discharge sites. There is the possibility bacterium or chemicals from debris and trash could contaminate the water near and around discharge sites, and individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill.

Areas of the beach apart from discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers are exempted from this advisory. This advisory will be in effect until at least, Tuesday, July 21, at 10:00 a.m. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

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 online at our website: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.