LOS ANGELES (CNS) - With rain water again sending debris and other potentially hazardous materials cascading to the coast, Los Angeles County health officials issued a beach water use advisory today, urging people to avoid swimming in the ocean near discharging drains and creeks.
The advisory will remain in effect until at least 7 a.m. Friday for beaches throughout the county, although with rain forecast for much of the week, the advisory is likely to be extended.
Health officials warned that storm runoff can carry bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other health hazards into the ocean, and swimming in contaminated water can lead to illness.
Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline, 800-525-5662, and online at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.
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