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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.
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.
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