Extreme heat, ocean water bacteria prompt LA County health warnings

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Friday warned the public about extreme heat and unsafe levels of bacteria in ocean water at area beaches.

The county health officer issued an excessive heat warning Saturday-Monday for:

• West San Fernando Valley;

• West Santa Monica Mountains;

• East Santa Monica Mountains;

• Calabasas/Agoura Hills;

• East San Fernando Valley;

• Santa Susana Mountains;

• San Gabriel Valley;

• Santa Clarita Valley;

• Western San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor;

• East San Gabriel Mountains; and

• Northwest LA County Mountains/I-5 Corridor.

Public Health officials urged precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially for young children and people who are older, pregnant, outdoor workers and athletes. County residents with chronic medical conditions also are more at risk for extreme heat’s negative health effects.

The health department suggested these measures to take on extremely hot days:

1. “Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated throughout the day. Your body loses water more rapidly through sweating to cool itself down. Drinking enough water helps you replenish the lost water and maintain proper bodily functions, prevent dehydration, and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. 
2. “Think ahead, Plan, and Protect: If you need to go outside, avoid going out during the hottest hours. Wear sunscreen, lightweight and light-colored clothes and wear a hat or use an umbrella.
3. “Car Safety: Cars get very hot inside, even with the windows ‘cracked’ or open. Never leave children or pets in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone in a car.
4. “Recognize Heat Illness: Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness like heat exhaustion and heat stroke and know what to do to care for them. Call 911 right away if you see these symptoms: high body temperature (103°F or higher), vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
5. “Check on People More At-Risk: Regularly check on those at risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant people, children, those who live alone, pets, and outdoor workers and athletes.
6. “Prepare for Power Outages: Visit your power company’s website or contact them by phone to determine if you are scheduled for a rolling power outage.”

“Although it’s crucial that we take care of ourselves, it’s equally important that we extend our hand to those in need. We must look out for those who are more likely to get ill due to the heat, including the elderly, unwell, pregnant women, children, and those living alone. Hot days aren’t just uncomfortable — they can be dangerous,” LA County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “However, if we make sure to stay hydrated and keep cool, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. If you have an elderly or unwell family member or neighbor, check on them regularly to ensure they are safe and well.” 

County residents without access to air conditioning can go to free cooling centers, splash pads and community pools, a list of which is available online or by calling 211.

Bacteria warnings at LA County beaches

Bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested prompted the Department of Public Health to caution residents to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in ocean waters at these LA County beaches :

• Windward storm drain at Venice Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain;

• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, entire swim area;

• Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove, entire swim area;

• Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps;

• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, entire swim area;

• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier; and

• Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

The area around the Hermosa Beach Pier was cleared for safe water contact after recent samples showed water quality levels were within state standards.

Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours daily on the county beach closure hotline, 800-525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information is online at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.

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