Rain Tips: Less Swimming, More Sand Bags
Feb 24, 2023 06:06PM ● By Mb News Staff
Overwhelmed by rain in Manhattan Beach? Here are two quick tips: 1) Stay out of the ocean during and after heavy rain; and 2) The city has free sand bags available.
Water Quality Advisory Issued
First, the ongoing rain storms have led the L.A. County Department of Public Health to issue an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory through 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 26.
The advisory means that beach users - including swimmers and surfers - are advised to avoid
contact with ocean water.
The advisory extends to all L.A. County beaches.
According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, bacteria, chemicals,
debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and
mountain areas are likely to contaminate ocean waters at and around
discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers after a rainfall.
If you need a visual on what that involves, just head down to the Manhattan Beach Pier and look at the water pouring through underneath.
Stormwater pours out underneath the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Bacteria levels may remain elevated up to 3 days depending upon the
intensity of the rain and the volume of runoff. Elevated bacteria levels
in ocean water may cause illness to those who enter the water, especially children and the
elderly, so caution is encouraged.
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 at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.
Sand Bags Available
The city of Manhattan Beach has filled sand bags available to Manhattan Beach residents - free of charge - to help guard against flooding. Residents may
take up to 15 sand bags (bring proof of Manhattan Beach residency).
The sand bags are available from the Public Works Facility at 3621 Bell Avenue (at Rosecrans Avenue); or at Fire Station 1 at 400 15th Street (at Valley Drive).
To report fallen trees, street flooding, and hazards, please call (310) 545-4566.
