Ocean Bacteria Warning Issued For Santa Monica Pier, Beach

If you're in or around Santa Monica and are thinking about taking a dip in the ocean today, health officials are asking you to think again.

The LA County Department of Public Health has issued an advisory asking the public to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in or near Santa Monica ocean waters today due to high bacteria levels.

The warning applies to the following locations:

• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica: 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
• Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica South Tower 20: 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

• Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu: 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro: The entire swim area.
• Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey: The entire swim area.

The warnings have been issued because recent water samples showed bacterial levels exceeding health standards, which may increase the risk of illness in humans and animals.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the County’s beach hotline: (800) 525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information are available at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.