Politics & Government

County Urges Residents to Stay Out of Ocean

The warning is in effect until Sunday and may be extended if the weather worsens.

Due to rain that soaked the Southland overnight and is expected to continue sporadically into Friday, Los Angeles County health officials Thursday warned beach-goers to avoid swimming near storm drains, creeks and rivers emptying into the ocean.

"Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers only comprises a small portion of the beach, and therefore, anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing," according to Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county's public health director. "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."

County health officials issued a beach advisory, warning that bacteria, debris, trash and other health hazards from city streets and mountain areas can enter the ocean from the storm drains and rivers draining into the water.

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The county's advisory will remain in effect until 8:30 a.m. Sunday, although it may be extended depending on the weather.

City News Service

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