Rain Advisory For LA, OC Beaches: Naples, Belmont Shore

NAPLES, CA — Runoff from the recent rains have led the environmental health staff to declare a Rain Advisory for all Los Angeles and Orange County Beaches, officials reported.

Along the coast, an extended period of high surf is expected through Friday, the National Weather Service said. In L.A. County, a high-surf warning was set to expire at around 9 p.m. Friday.
Breaking waves of 5-8 feet pounded the shore Thursday and increased to 6-10 feet, then 10-15 feet Friday morning, according to an NWS statement.

Amid the high surf, " there is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore," warned an NWS statement. Moderate coastal flooding is possible over low-lying coastal areas including beaches, beach parking lots and harbor walkways, and with vulnerable coastal roadways during the highest surf and tides.

The Los Angeles County Health Officer is urging swimmers and surfers to steer clear of water near storm drains for a few days, which are flushed out by rain and can contain hazards that can make them ill.The beach water use advisory was in effect until at least 7 a.m. Monday.

"Avoid swimming, surfing and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers," Dr. Muntu Davis said. "Bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to contaminate ocean waters in and around these outlets after a rainfall."

For updated beach conditions, call the county's 24-hour hotline at (800) 525-5662 or visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach

"The Environmental Health staff advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms," they said.

According to the OC Healthcare Agency, swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.

When will it be safe to go back into the water? By Monday morning, according to officials. Always check water quality with your local lifeguards, first.

Patch Staff Photo