Rain Advisory for today, March 4, 2009

***Media Inquiries: please call (213) 240-8144.***

For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2009

Rain Advisory:
Advisory for all Los Angeles County beaches in effect until Sunday,
March 8th 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 Sunday, March 8th 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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