Los Angeles County Issues Beach Closures Over High Bacteria Levels

The county advised the public to avoid "swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters" due to an increased risk of illness.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 3/17/2026, 11:21:22 PM EDT

Los Angeles County Issues Beach Closures Over High Bacteria Levels — A sign indicating the beach is closed for swimming in Los Angeles County, Calif., on July 13, 2021. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP Via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging residents and visitors to avoid swimming at several popular beaches after tests showed bacteria levels exceeding state health standards.

In a press release issued on March 16, the county advised the public to avoid "swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters" due to an increased risk of illness.

The warning applies to multiple locations, including:

Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.
Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.
Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.
Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach, near Will Rogers Tower 18: 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

The advisory was issued after recent water samples detected bacterial levels above limits set by California state standards.

According to the health department, "water contact during a beach closure may cause illness especially in children, the elderly and susceptible people."

Although officials did not specify what bacteria were found, the health department says it routinely collects ocean water samples from the surf zone and tests them for total coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci.

Total coliforms is an indicator of environmental pollution. E. coli points to fecal contamination, while enterococci are a strong indicator of pollution in saltwater.

Exposure to such harmful bacteria in ocean water can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms often appear within a week of exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Enterococci may also lead to urinary or wound infections.

Officials also said several beaches that were previously under advisory have been cleared after follow-up tests showed improved conditions.

These beaches include: Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey, areas near the Pulga storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach.

Health officials also warn that rain can worsen ocean water quality. Storm runoff carries contaminants into the ocean, causing bacteria levels to spike. Sometimes, bacterial levels remain high for days after storm runoff.

The department recommends avoiding contact with water during and after rain events, especially near storm drains, creeks,, and rivers, where contamination levels are typically highest.

Beachgoers can call the department's hotline for updates on ocean water alerts at 1-800-525-5662.