Beaches throughout Southern California have been placed under a high-bacteria and high surf advisory following heavy rainstorms hit the Southland on Tuesday.
The public is warned to stay clear from the ocean on every Los Angeles County beaches due to the potential for increased levels of bacteria that are caused by “storm drainage and other chemicals and trash and other health hazards for the public,” said the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The warning to everyone on L.A. County beaches will continue until the end of the week at 3pm. Anyone who swims in the ocean waters during this time may become sick, according to officials.
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The organisms and the debris usually get sucked up from nearby roadways and areas of mountain, possibly creating a toxic environment in the waters of discharged storm drains, rivers and creeks following rainstorms, authorities said.
The Department of Public Health recommends people who go to the beach avoid contact with water from the ocean up to three days following an extensive rain.
Advisories are also in effect throughout Orange County, Ventura County and in the Malibu Coast, Catalina and the Santa Barbara Islands.
The waters that surfers are advised to stay clear of due to the danger of an increase in breaking waves and rip currents caused by higher surf. Drowning risks will increase at this time, because rip currents could take swimmers to sea , and waves could wash people off rocks and beaches and capsize small vessels.
Find the most recent updates and advisory on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on their website. Latest updates on Orange County beaches can be located here.
