Tag: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

SANTA MONICA—On August 1, a beachgoers report indicates that there were 1,450 water rescues at Los Angeles County beaches. Water rescues between July 24 and August 1 reached nearly 2,000, as rip currents and beach swells dominated the water. Officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department commended the work of firefighters, saying the performance of as many as 2,000 rescues between July 24 and July 26 was “nuts” and “the largest number [of water rescues] they can remember.” According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division, during the July 24 weekend, lifeguards executed 1,500 ocean rescues, conducted 71,274 preventive actions, 749 Emergency Vehicle Responses, and provided medical aid to 517 people. On July 31, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued area Beach Warnings for Los Angeles County Beaches in the following locations due to high bacteria levels. Santa Monica Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Wilshire Boulevard Storm Drain. The entire swimming area at Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey of Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, and the entire swimming area at the Santa Monica Pier, and 100 yards up and down the coastline from the pier. LACDPH issued the warnings after finding recent water samples revealed bacteria levels exceeding the public health standards, increasing the risk of illness in people and their pets. In addition to high surf and bacteria warnings, LA Public Health issued three extreme heat warnings within a month. On July 20, a heat advisory was extended to August 5 for the East San Gabriel Mountains. An extreme heat warning was issued for Antelope Valley, the Western Antelope Valley, and the Eastern Antelope Valley thru August 5. A heat advisory was extended through August 5 for Western San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor, Northwest LA County Mountains, and the Interstate 5 Corridor. The Southern California heat wave continues with triple-digit temperatures. By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On July 6, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for Southern California including; Downtown Los Angeles, Compton, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and Norwalk. The heat advisory remains in effect from Wednesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. until Friday, July 10, at 8 p.m. The NWS predicts temperatures up to 90 degrees in Los Angeles County’s Inland Coast including downtown Los Angeles. “There is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning and those that are active outdoors,” the NWS stated. “The warmest temperatures with this event are expected to occur Wednesday and Thursday afternoons with only a very modest cool down Friday providing little relief. Temperatures are expected to cool down slightly over the weekend but remain above normal into the following week.” On July 6, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) notified the public of the heat advisory listing other areas including (but not limited to) the following areas thru July 10: -Santa Clarita Valley -West San Fernando Valley -East San Fernando Valley -Santa Susana Mountains -Western San Gabriel Mountains and the Hwy 14 Corridor -East San Gabriel Mountains -San Gabriel Valley -Northwest LA County Mountains -From Wednesday, July 8 through Friday, July 10, Los Angeles Inland Coast. LACDPH warns that the hot weather is, “expected to cause discomfort and may lead to heat-related illness for those who are vulnerable to heat.” Health officials remind the public to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, take cool showers and baths, stay indoors. “Watch out for each other. Check on those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant people, children, those who live alone, pets, outdoor workers, and athletes.” The LACDPH emphasized the importance of knowing how to recognize if someone may be experiencing a heat-related illness. Symptoms may include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, dizziness, nausea, passing out, headache, a fast, strong pulse, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Heat stroke and heat related deaths are prevalent in extreme heat. LACDPH advises the public to take precautions and call 911 if these symptoms are present. By Sharon

MALIBU—On June 8, the city of Malibu announced hazardous beach conditions expected between June 8 and June 11. The National Weather Service Surf Forecast for the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches reporting surf heights from four to six feet high. Large breaking waves, dangerous rip currents have been reported. Beach goers are advised to stay off the rocks and jetties for their own safety. Strong rip currents have the capability of pulling swimmers and surfers under the water. The waves can knock people over in the water, and wash people off the beaches, increasing the risk of drowning and could capsize small boats, rafts, and watercrafts. In addition to the hazardous surf warnings, there are also high bacteria levels warnings in effect. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued an Ocean Water Use Warning for the following Los Angeles County beaches. “These warnings are issued because recent water samples showed bacteria that exceed the state health standards, which may increase the risk of illness,” the LACDPH reported. The bacteria warnings apply to the entire swimming area of the following beaches: -Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach -Escondido Creek and Escondido State Beach -Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, -Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey, -Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, -100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain at; -Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach in Malibu, -Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Lagoon, -100 yards up and down the coast of Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, The Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach, and 100 yards up and down the coast from the Club’s border fence. Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Will Rogers Tower 18, has been cleared. For updated beach warnings check the LACDPH website. By Sharon