Ocean water advisories issued for beaches from Malibu to Playa del Rey

The recent rainfall and increased debris from fire zones have prompted Los Angeles County public health officials to issue an ocean water closure and ocean water quality advisory for several miles of coastline from Malibu to Playa del Rey.

At least 15 miles of coastline stretching from Surfrider Beach in Malibu to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way in Playa del Rey are under an ocean water advisory urging people to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the water because of debris from fire zones. Although the beaches themselves remain open, public health officials are warning people to stay away from fire debris and heavy ash that may have washed ashore.

“Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals, which can be harmful to health,” public officials said in a statement. “This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.”

Additionally, public health officials have issued a water closure advisory for Las Flores State Beach and a portion of Santa Monica State Beach. The advisory prohibits people from swimming in the ocean.

Santa Monica officials said the advisory does not affect general sand activities and urged beachgoers to check the Department of Public Health website for more information on closures.

The public health alerts were issued following a ocean water quality rain advisory that had been issued for all Los Angeles County beaches, which expired Thursday. That advisory warned people to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall.