Los Angeles County issues beach bacteria warnings

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued ocean water use warnings for 11 locations due to elevated bacteria levels that exceed state health standards. Officials advise beachgoers to avoid swimming, surfing, or entering the water at the affected sites to reduce the risk of illness.

Specific locations under advisory include portions of Santa Monica Beach, Paradise Cove, Redondo Beach, Venice Beach, Topanga County Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Torrance Beach. Depending on the site, the warnings cover specific areas near storm drains and piers or entire designated swimming zones.

These health advisories coincide with a significant heat wave affecting California, with temperatures expected to remain high through mid-October. The prolonged warm weather is being influenced by a strong El Niño pattern and above-normal sea surface temperatures.