Surf's High & Dirty at SoCal Beaches
Friday, Dec 26, 2008 | Updated 3:00 PM PST
Ocean Beach surfers
Surfers (and others) are warned to wait 48 hours after it rains before going into the ocean.
Los Angeles County Department of Health officials say pollution levels in the ocean will be high for several days.
The most polluted beach areas are near storm drains, creeks and rivers and include popular surfing spots in Malibu, Topanga, Venice and Manhattan beaches.
Bacterial levels are higher than usual because of urban runoff containing garbage, animal waste and chemicals.
Health experts advising waiting at least 48 hours before going into the ocean after it rains.
Forecast
A high surf advisory is in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday. On Los Angeles and Ventura County coasts, surf of 6 to 8 feet was expected Friday, with local sets to 12 feet on the exposed west-facing coastline. Swimmers and surfers were advised to watch for powerful rip currents and expect localized beach erosion.
