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Rain water floods the bike path in Venice last winter | Photo by Jonathan Alcorn (Sundogg) via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
When it rains in the Los Angeles area, the yucky stuff (you know, bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards) from city streets and mountain areas enter the ocean via storm drains, creeks and rivers. That means, swimming near them for the next few days can be hazardous for your health.
“Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprises a small portion of the beach, and therefore, anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Public Health Director and Health Officer.
In Long Beach, City Health Officer, Dr. Helene Calvet, is recommending people avoid all ocean water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall. Residents can get updates on the city's website or by calling the Human Services Water Quality Information Line at 562.570.4199
For an countywide information, recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the LA County's beach closure webpage or hotline at 1-800-525-5662