By Lookout Staff

January 29, 2025 -- An "Ocean Water Closure" has been declared for Santa Monica State Beach due to recent rains and an increase in fire debris, Public Health officials announced this week.

The closure, which stretches north to Las Flores State Beach will remain in effect until further notice, officials said.

"Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals," according to the water quality advisory issued Monday.

"Beach users are cautioned to avoid water and sand contact."

Once the rain advisory is lifted, an Ocean Water Quality Advisory issued for all Santa Monica beaches will extend beyond Thursday.

The advisory covers Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way.

The fire debris runoff could contain "toxic or carcinogenic chemicals," as well as "substances including arsenic, other metals, and asbestos," health officials warned.

"This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand," the advisory stated. "Beach users are advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach."

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory remains in effect at least until 8 a.m. Thursday for all other LA County Beaches and could be extended "depending on further rainfall."

"Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall," health officials said.

For updates, call the advisory hotline at 800-525-5662 or visit www.PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/beach