During the summer months, many Los Angeles County residents and visitors enjoy the natural beauty and recreational benefits of our beaches. Before they take that first swim though, they may be wondering if the ocean water is safe, what beach advisories mean, and what they can do to keep our beaches clean.
“The vast majority of beach water along the coast of LA County meets State ocean water quality standards, which means it is safe for swimming, surfing, or otherwise playing in the waves,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “We encourage residents and visitors to keep our beaches healthy and clean by remembering that whatever is discharged into the street or on the ground flows to a storm drain and eventually makes it way into the ocean. People can help prevent ocean pollution by properly disposing of animal waste, pesticides, households paints, chemicals and motor oil, using a broom and dustpan instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks, and by participating in beach clean-up days.”
How do you test beach water?
Los Angeles County’s Ocean Water Monitoring Program tests dozens of
sampling sites from the Ventura/Los Angeles County border to San
Pedro. These sites are tested at least once a week. Samples are also
collected at Avalon Beach on Santa Catalina Island from April
through October. If beaches are found to have bacteria levels that
exceed State health standards, then they are tested more often.
What do warning signs
or rain advisories mean?
• When bacteria levels
exceed State ocean water quality standards, warning signs are posted
to let swimmers, surfers, and other beach-goers know that the water
in a specific area is unhealthy.
• The signs will remain
in place until tests indicate that bacteria levels meet State
standards. Some areas have permanent signs posted due to
historically poor water quality.
• A rain advisory is
issued anytime there is significant rainfall that may cause
bacterial levels to exceed State standards in ocean waters. The
advisory stays in effect for 72 hours after rainfall has ended.
• On rare occasions,
sewage from ruptured sewage lines inland can make its way into the
ocean. When this occurs, the affected beach area and water is
immediately closed off so swimmers, surfers, and other beach-goers
will be protected.
• The area will re-open
once testing confirms that bacteria levels are again within State
standards.
What areas of the beach should I avoid?
• It is best to avoid
water contact in areas adjacent to or in front of discharging storm
drains. Storm drains direct runoff from urban areas to the ocean.
While they do not normally contain sewage, water in storm drains can
contain disease-causing bacteria. Depending on the amount of flow,
the discharging storm drains can affect ocean water quality several
hundred yards from the discharge point. Much greater areas may be
affected following major rainstorms.
• Avoid swimming next to
piers. Piers attract birds which may contribute to higher bacterial
levels. In addition, plumbing under piers may occasionally be in
disrepair and may discharge sewage into the water.
• If a beach area is
posted with warning signs or is closed, avoid contact with the water
in that area. If you have any questions about where it is safe to
swim, ask a lifeguard.
How do I find the cleanest beaches in LA County?
Visit our website at
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach to see beach grades from A –
F. Or call the Public Health Beach Closure and Advisory Hotline at
(800) 525-5662 for the latest information on ocean water quality
conditions.
A word about sun safety:
“Before you take that refreshing dip in the ocean, take a moment to
protect your skin,” said Dr. Fielding. “Skin cancer is still the
most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States, so it is
important for men, women, and children to protect themselves by
applying a sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of
15, avoiding tanning and tanning beds, and staying in the shade as
much as possible.”
Prevention tips:
• Use a beach umbrella or
other covering to stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Avoid sunburn by
applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day may
reduce one’s risk if used properly. Make sure to thoroughly reapply
sunscreen after water activities, such as swimming, surfing, or
otherwise playing in the waves. Sunscreen should also be reapplied
often, even if you are not spending time in the water.
• Cover up with long
sleeves and pants, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to further avoid
sunburn.
• Wear UV-blocking
sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Avoid tanning and UV
tanning booths. Try a sunless tanner instead.
• Infants under the age
of six months should be kept out of the sun. Sunscreen should be
used on babies over the age of six months, and their exposure to sun
should be limited as much as possible.
• For more information on
sun safety, check the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website at
http://www.skincancer.org
