Bacteria warnings issued for multiple Southern California beaches

As temperatures soar and Southern Californians flock to the coast for a cool escape, several Los Angeles County beaches have been hit with bacteria warnings.

Aerial view of Topanga State Beach, showing a stretch of highway, a building, and the ocean with a cloudy, brown area near the shore due to bacteria. — Topanga State Beach is one of several Los Angeles County beaches thay have been hit with bacteria warnings. Andy Johnstone for CA Post

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water advisories for the following beach areas:

Beachgoers are being strongly urged to avoid the water at several spots after recent tests revealed bacteria levels above state health standards, raising the risk of illness for swimmers, surfers and anyone taking a dip.

Warning signs on the beach near Santa Monica Pier on Tuesday. Andy Johnstone for CA Post

People on Topanga State Beach, with one woman carrying a surfboard, and two women walking near the water. — Beachgoers are being strongly urged to avoid the water at several spots after recent tests revealed bacteria levels above state health standards. Andy Johnstone for CA Post

Don't Outlive Your Benefits — Long-Term Care insurance with unlimited LTC funds for as long as you live. Call 1-800-317-0625 — Beachgoers are being strongly urged to avoid the water at several spots after recent tests revealed bacteria levels above state health standards. Andy Johnstone for CA Post

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Bel Air Bay Club storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach, extending 100 yards up and down the coast from the club border fence;
Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach
Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey
Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro
The Castlerock storm drain at Topanga County Beach, extending 100 yards in both directions from the storm drain;
Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, extending 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon;
The Santa Monica Pier surrounding area, extending 100 yards in both directions.

A yellow warning sign, stating — Topanga State Beach is one of many on the California coast that have been displaying warnings of rising bacteria in the water. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post

A man surfing on a yellow surfboard at Topanga State Beach. — A surfer at Topanga State Beach on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post

Officials said recent water testing found bacteria levels exceeding state health standards, increasing the risk of illness for swimmers, surfers and others entering the water.

The advisories come just as Southern California braces for a heatwave — with inland areas expected to scorch past 100 degrees while beach communities will see highs in the 80s and 90s.