Beach Warnings Issued as Heat Wave Approaches

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – With a prolonged heat wave beginning Friday, people seeking relief along the coast will be advised to stay out of the water at 11 Los Angeles County locations because of elevated bacteria levels.

The county Department of Public Health issued ocean water use warnings after recent samples showed bacterial levels exceeding state health standards, which officials said could increase the risk of illness.

The warnings were in effect for:

— Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier;

— Redondo Beach at Sapphire Street, 100 yards up and down the coast from Sapphire Street;

— Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes, the entire swim area;

— Rose Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach, the entire swim area;

— Santa Monica Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier;

— Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, the entire swim area;

— Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms;

— Castlerock storm drain at Topanga County Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain;

— Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier;

— Avenue I storm drain at Redondo Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain; and

— Torrance Beach at Malaga Cove, 100 yards up and down the coast from the lifeguard tower just north of RAT Tower.

Warnings have been lifted for the Topsail Street extension in Venice and the Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach after recent samples showed water quality levels within state standards.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach hotline at 800-525-5662. A map of affected locations and additional information are available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.