As the LA Rain continues, the County Interim Health Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, is cautioning residents who are thinking about visiting LA County beaches - be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean waters.
Due to the rain, bacteria, debris, trash, and other public hazards from city and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters from storms drains, rivers and creeks.
Anyone who wants to go to the beach can still do so, but it is warned to be careful if you're thinking about going in to the water. Debris and bacteria may take up only a small part of the ocean waters, but it's better to be safe and not swim in areas that could be exposed to this. Swimmers and surfers are advised to stay away from discharge sites because it is possible that trash could contaminate the water and make people ill.
The advisory is in effect until at least Monday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m. The advisory could be extended depending on if there is more 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 : PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/."
To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, visit www.publichea lth.lacounty.gov.