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SPRING breakers and other tourists are being forced out of the ocean while on vacation as toxic waste seeps onto California shores.
A heavy rainstorm on the West Coast has prompted officials to shut down multiple beaches out of fear over germs in the water.
Officials warned the public to stay out of all Los Angeles County beaches until Friday at 4 pm due to sewage that could be spewed on to the public sand.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health warned swimmers that toxic bacteria, trash, and chemicals could continue to seep from city streets onto the beaches.
The risk of contaminated water is high around storm drains, creeks, and rivers.
Officials warned anyone who goes in the ocean during this time could get sick – but three groups of people might especially be in danger.
Children, elderly people, or people who are immunocompromised could become seriously sick if they enter the ocean during the warnings.
The warning also includes any runoff water that might puddle onto sand on the beach.
“Beachgoers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory,” county health officials said.
The advisory was first issued until Monday at 7 am but was extended until Friday.
Now, the rules will stay in effect for three days after the rain ends.
They also might be extended depending on future rainfall conditions.
Once people are allowed to go back in the water around Los Angeles, another advisory will be issued.
An ocean water advisory will stretch from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach until officials cancel it.
The orders come as Southern California is hit with heavy rains and wind that have caused mudslides.
The winter storms are expected to hit from Wednesday until Friday.
Full ocean water advisory
Los Angeles County Health Department officials issued the following advisory:
“A rain advisory is issued when there is significant rainfall that may cause bacteria levels in ocean waters to increase.
“Bacteria levels can increase significantly during and after rainstorms, as contaminants within the runoff enters the ocean.
“Bacteria levels may remain elevated up to 3 days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of runoff.
“Elevated bacteria levels in ocean water may cause illness, especially in children and the elderly.
“The Department of Public Health recommends that beach users avoid contact with ocean water for a period of 3 days after significant rainfall, especially near flowing storm drains, creeks and rivers.
“An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches.
” The advisory will be in effect at least until 4:00 pm, Friday, March 14, 2025. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall.
“This advisory may be extended depending upon further rainfall. Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach will remain until further notice.”
Source: LA County Health Department
In addition to the ocean water advisory, flood watches and road closures have been issued across the lower portion of the state.
The storms have already forced Los Angeles residents to get out of the region – while some Spring Break travelers might be flocking to the beach hotspot to celebrate their weeklong vacations.
Evacuation orders have been issued from Wednesday at 7 am until Thursday at 6 pm in the Topanga State Park, Pacific Palisades, and Rustic Canyon areas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered state agencies to send more than 400 personnel to prepare for the storm.
It’s not just the ocean that will be swarming in debris – evacuation orders have also been issued for parts of Los Angeles to avoid landslides bringing debris in parts of the city.
The warnings were issued due to the risk of debris flowing from the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Kenneth areas.
The areas are vulnerable as most of them remain destroyed following the Los Angeles wildfires that scorched the region in January.
