2 Redondo Beach Areas Under Bacteria Warning Ahead Of Labor Day Weekend

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Beachgoers heading to Redondo Beach over Labor Day weekend are being warned to stay out of the water near two popular locations after testing found elevated bacteria levels.

Los Angeles County public health officials continued ocean water use warnings Thursday for Redondo Beach Pier and Redondo Beach at Sapphire Street, with recent samples at both locations exceeding state health standards.

The warnings cover 100 yards in both directions from Redondo Beach Pier and 100 yards up and down the coast from Sapphire Street. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises people to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the affected ocean water because elevated bacteria levels may increase the risk of illness.

The latest warnings come amid fluctuating water-quality results along the Redondo Beach shoreline in recent weeks. Redondo Beach Pier was under a bacteria warning Aug. 17 and Aug. 18 before later being cleared. The location was back under warning by Aug. 27 and remained on the county's warning list this week.

Sapphire Street was placed under a warning Aug. 19, but testing subsequently showed water quality there had returned to within state standards and the warning was lifted Aug. 21. The location returned to the warning list Wednesday.

Another Redondo Beach location, the Avenue I storm drain, was also under a bacteria warning in mid-August. Conditions improved this week just north of Redondo Beach. On Thursday, county health officials lifted an earlier warning at the Herondo Street storm drain in Hermosa Beach after recent testing showed water quality there had returned to within state standards.

Ocean water warnings can change as new samples are tested. Beachgoers can check the county's online beach water-quality map for current conditions before entering the water. Recorded information on beach conditions is also available 24 hours a day through the county's beach hotline at 1-800-525-5662.