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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Beachgoers looking to escape the Southland's prolonged heat wave will be advised Tuesday to avoid the water at several Los Angeles County locations because of elevated bacteria levels.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued the warnings for the following sites:
-- Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica South Tower, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
-- Redondo Beach Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
-- Redondo Beach at Sapphire Street, 100 yards up and down the coast from Sapphire.
-- Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes, entire swim area.
-- Rose Avenue Storm Drain at Venice Beach, entire swim area.
-- Santa Monica Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
-- Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
-- Manhattan Beach Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
-- Avenue I storm drain at Redondo Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
-- Torrance Beach at Malaga Cove, just north of RAT Tower, 100 yards up and down the coast from the lifeguard tower.
Officials said recent water samples showed bacterial levels exceeding health standards at those sites, which may increase the risk of illness.
On the brighter side, the warning was lifted for Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove in the Malibu area, where recent sample results identified water quality levels within state standards.
Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach hotline at 800-525-5662. A map of affected locations and additional information are available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.