LA County Warns Against Beach Activities Amid Bacteria Spike

Health officials urge public to avoid swimming, surfing at several beaches due to elevated bacteria levels

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:37pm

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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an ocean water use warning, advising the public to avoid 'swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters' at beaches from Malibu to Marina del Rey. Recent testing found elevated bacteria levels that could increase the risk of illness, particularly for children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Why it matters

Maintaining safe water quality at public beaches is an important public health issue, as exposure to high bacteria levels can lead to various illnesses. This warning highlights the ongoing monitoring and advisory system in place to protect beachgoers in LA County.

The details

The advisory applies to sections of coastline near creeks, storm drains and other runoff outlets, including areas around the Santa Monica Pier, Pico-Kenter storm drain, Pulga storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach, Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey, and portions of Leo Carrillo State Beach, Topanga Beach, Escondido Beach, and Puerco Beach. Two previously affected areas, the inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and the Herondo Street storm drain area in Hermosa Beach, have been cleared after new samples showed bacteria levels within state standards.

  • The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued the ocean water use warning on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The county agency responsible for monitoring ocean water quality and issuing public health advisories.

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What’s next

The county said the warnings remain in effect until follow-up testing confirms that the water quality has returned to acceptable levels. Beachgoers can check updated conditions by calling the county's 24-hour beach hotline or visiting the LACDPH's beach advisory page.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of ongoing water quality monitoring and public health advisories to keep beachgoers safe, especially in areas prone to bacterial contamination from runoff and other sources. It serves as a reminder for the public to stay informed and heed official warnings to protect their health when enjoying coastal activities.