It’s hard to remember the last time any of our South Bay beaches were closed due to environmental risks, but today an approximate two-mile stretch of coastline from Redondo Beach to the El Segundo Jetty is shut-down due to the arrival of oil like globs that began washing up on some South Bay shores yesterday. The beach closure was issued by the L.A. County Dept. of Public of Health:
“A beach closure has been declared for the area from El Segundo Jetty to the North and the Redondo Beach city limit to the South, due to a release of petroleum effecting the area. Beach users are advised to avoid contact with the material washed on shore, the water, and wet sand. Contact with oil may cause skin irritation and long-term health effects.”
A tweet issued by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division urges people to stay out of the water today.
Oil seepage does occur naturally from the ocean floor and often gets stuck on the bottom of beach-goers, surfers and salt-water enthusiasts feet during the warmer months when there are more people in the water. Reports from Heal the Bay claim that at least thousands of oil globs have come ashore since yesterday so the source of these oil globs is most likely man-made. The initial source of the oil globs has yet to be determined.
It’s best to stay out of the water today until the county and other health officials give the OK to return. If you want to volunteer your time for a potential clean-up effort, e-mail Heal the Bay at info@healthebay.org or visit their website to find out about any opportunities to engage that may arise from the beach closures.