By Kelly Fraenkel
Staff Writer
Due to heavy rainfall, an ocean water quality rain advisory was issued in Manhattan Beach on Jan. 24 and remained in effect until Feb. 1 at 7:30 a.m.
The ocean water quality rain advisory was declared for all Los Angeles County beaches due to heavy rainfall. Rainstorms can result in increased levels of bacteria in the water as runoff of contaminants from sources such as storm drains or rivers can cause these bacteria levels to rise during and after rainstorms. Bacteria can remain at heightened levels for up to three days after storms, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH).
“The ocean advisory didn’t directly affect me and my diving crew because we already know that after heavy rainfall we shouldn’t be spending time in the water,” senior Jonathon Ro said. “This is because of the bacteria build up as well as horrible diving quality from mud runoff and increased sediment composition.”
Residents were warned that bacteria, trash and other health hazards can contaminate sea waters, especially near areas where rivers or storm drains drain into the ocean. Contact with ocean water after an increase in bacteria can result in illness. Beachgoers are advised to refrain from contact with ocean water for three days after rainstorms to avoid becoming ill, according to LACDPH.
“I think that abiding to ocean water advisory is extremely important because they understand the risks about the ocean and the different dangers post rainfall,” Ro said.
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