Health officials issue Ocean Water Use Warning for several popular Los Angeles area beaches 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is cautioning residents who are planning to visit area beaches to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the ocean waters. 

The following beaches are affected by the Ocean Water Use Warning issued Dec. 2: 

• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms
• Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain
• Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove: 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek
• Malibu Pier: 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier
• 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: The entire swim area
• Mothers Beach in Marina del Rey: The entire swim area
• Santa Monica Pier: 100 yards up and down the coast of the pier

Officials issued the warnings due to bacterial levels that exceeded health standards when last tested.

Several local beaches have been cleared since they were last tested:

• Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach: Near Will Rogers Tower 18
• Dockweiler State Beach: Near the Culver Boulevard storm drain
• Topanga Canyon Beach
• Venice Beach: Windward storm drain

Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day by calling the L.A. County beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662.

You can also check beach conditions online.