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Rain Advisory: Not A Beach Day, What With The Bacteria And Chemicals And Everything
Photo by melissssaf via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Due to heavy rainfall, an advisory has been issued by the County of Los Angeles Public Health department for all LA county beaches until Monday, December 20 at 12 p.m. Officials are cautioning residents (and we imagine everyone else, too) planning to visit Los Angeles County beaches to be careful swimming / surfing / frolicking in ocean waters near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.
Public health hazards like bacteria, debris, city trash and mountain runoff are "likely to enter ocean waters though these outlets," notes the advisory. Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Public Health Director and Health Officer encourages swimmers and surfers to be mindful," 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."
Areas of the beach not discharging toxic muck are exempted from this advisory. Info on beach conditions is available all day everyday on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662 and on their website.
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