The public has no guarantee that the beaches they visit are healthy places to surf and swim. The federal government has set voluntary standards for recreational waters along the coast. The result is a jumble of inconsistent water quality criteria, used by states and localities.
People get sick when they swim in waters containing pathogens from human and animal waste.
A 1996 study prepared for the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project found that one in twenty-five people who swim near storm drains will get sick. These illnesses rarely threaten human life, however they can lead to discomfort and are contagious. Also, these diseases can be more dangerous for children, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems. The 1998 report gives state evaluations. A Strategy for Building Conservation into decision making.