Rain Advisory from Public Health

 

For Immediate Release:                                                       

December 15, 2008                                                    

 

Rain Advisory:

Advisory for all Los Angeles County beaches in effect until

Friday, December 19^th at 7:00 a.m.

 

 

LOS ANGELES – Because of current rainfall, the County Health Officer is cautioning residents who are planning to visit Los Angeles County beaches to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. Bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters though these outlets.

 

“Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprises a small portion of the beach, and therefore, anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Public Health Director and Health Officer. “We do advise swimmers and surfers to stay away from the storm drains, creeks and rivers as there is the possibility that bacteria or chemicals from debris and trash may contaminate the water near and around these areas, and some individuals may become ill.”

 

Areas of the beach apart from discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers are exempted from this advisory. This advisory will be in effect until at least Friday, December 19^th at 7:00 a.m. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

 

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662. Information is also available online at our website: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach/.

 

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

 

 

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