Rainfall brings beach hazards




Because of the recent rainfall, the county health officer 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.

“ Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., public health director and health officer. “We do advise swimmers and surfers to stay away from the storm drains, creeks and rivers as there is the possibility that bacteria or chemicals from debris and trash may contaminate the water near and around these areas, and some individuals may 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 further notice.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available any time on the county’s beach closure hotline at (800) 525-5662 or at www.publichealth.lacounty. gov/beach/.



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