The swell rolling into Southern California this week may seem enticing for surfers, but public health officials are warning people to stay out of the ocean.
Swimmers, surfers and divers are being warned of high bacteria levels off local beaches in Los Angeles and Orange County following the rainstorm that rolled in Tuesday.
“Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions,” OC Health Care Agency officials said in their warning released Wednesday morning.
The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least three days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff, officials said.
The LA County Department of Public Health issued its Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory Tuesday and expects it to be in place until at least 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30.
While there were no closures from the rain, several beaches in Orange County tested for high bacterial levels that exceeded health standards, including Mother’s Beach in Huntington Harbour, 11th Street in Newport Bay, all of Newport Dunes, Park Avenue Beach on the east end of Balboa Island, a 300-foot stretch at Cleo Street Beach in Laguna Beach and most of Doheny State Beach.
A rain advisory is issued when there is significant rainfall that may cause bacteria levels in ocean waters to increase, LA health officials said. Bacteria levels can increase significantly during and after rainstorms, as contaminants within the runoff enters the ocean.
“Elevated bacteria levels in ocean water may cause illness, especially in children and the elderly,” the LA advisory warns.
The advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall. A look ahead at the forecast shows rain expected on Saturday, Dec. 31, at which time the advisory will likely be extended.
Source: Orange County Register
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