The LA County Department of Public Health extended its LA County beach advisory on Oct. 23, 2026. It now runs at least until 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, and it covers every county beach.
The advisory tells people to avoid all contact with ocean water. Rain washes bacteria, trash and chemicals from streets and hillsides into storm drains and then into the surf.
What the LA County beach advisory says
Public Health says rainfall can raise bacteria levels in ocean water. The risk is highest near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers. It also applies to runoff that flows onto or pools on the sand. The department issued an earlier advisory on Oct. 21 that was set to end Saturday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m. Then it extended the notice.
Officials advise staying out of the water for at least 72 hours after significant rain. They also warn that the advisory may be extended if more rain falls. Details are on the department’s beach water quality page.
Who is most at risk
Elevated bacteria can cause illness, especially in children and older adults. Anyone who enters the water in affected areas could get sick. For that reason, the department asks beach users to skip the water entirely, not only the spots near storm drains. It also lists trash, debris and chemicals among the things runoff can carry. Bacteria levels can stay high for up to three days, depending on how hard it rained and how much runoff reached the ocean. As a result, a dry afternoon does not mean the water is safe again.
How to check conditions
First, check the county map before you go, because conditions change by beach. Second, call the beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, which runs around the clock. Finally, look again after Monday morning, since the department could extend the notice again.
This week’s weather already led to other hazards along the coast. Our earlier report on beach hazards after Tropical Storm Rachel covers the hazards from that storm. MyNewsLA also carried the extension. For more health news, see our health and sports guide.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor if you feel sick after contact with ocean water.