The indicator bacteria measured are usually not the microorganisms that cause bather illness. This link was confirmed in the groundbreaking 1996 epidemiology study conducted by USC under the direction of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. When you swim in water with significant concentrations of these bacteria indicators, the potential for contracting illnesses such as stomach flu, ear infection, upper respiratory infection, or major skin rash increases. The agency will take additional samples to determine if the problem persists. The beach remains open to the public.
People can decide whether to swim or surf, based on their own comfort level of risk.
The agency will take additional samples to determine if the problem persists. Some agencies post this sign indefinitely at beaches affected by perennial flow. The beach remains open to the public. People can decide whether to swim or surf, based on their own comfort level of risk. This sign is posted in both English and Spanish A sewage spill has impacted the beach The health agency will notify the media, establish a telephone hotline number to inform the public, and close the beach using this yellow sign.