Getting ready for a polar plunge in the ocean? Think again, says the L.A. County Department of Public Health. 

Due to current rainfall, the health department has issued an ocean water quality rain advisory, urging beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near storm drains, creeks, and other waterways due to potentially higher bacteria levels in these areas. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pool on the beach sand.

An ocean water quality rain advisory is declared when there is significant rainfall that may cause run-off from inland to flow to the ocean. Water contact during a rain advisory may cause illness especially in children, the elderly and susceptible people. Bacteria levels may take 72 hours or more to return to normal after heavy rainfall. 

The advisory will be in effect until at least Monday, December 29 at 8:00 a.m. and may be extended depending on further rainfall.

The current forecast has rain returning on Wednesday, December 31, and continuing through at least New Year's Day. 

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662.