With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Christmas can be a beautiful beach day, but watch where you swim
The Manhattan Beach Pier decorated with Christmas lights.
(
Jay L. Clendenin
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
Topline:
If mild temperatures and the beach is calling your name this Christmas, L.A. County is warning people to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean at nine stretches.
Why it matters: The bacteria levels exceeded health standards when last tested and could cause you to get sick, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
Which beaches:
- Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.
- Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach near Santa Monica South Tower 20, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
- Torrance Beach at Malaga Cove north of the RAT Tower, 100 yards up and down the coast from the lifeguard tower.
- Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.
- Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.
- Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
- Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, the entire swim area.
- Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, the entire swim area.
- Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
Please note: The warning for Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu has been lifted. When in doubt, you can check the map here.
Sponsored message
What’s next: Public health officials collect ocean samples at least once a week, so the water use warning will be lifted once the bacteria levels return to a more acceptable standard.
Read more ...about this week's conditions.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
