Long Beach Sewage Spill Brings Warning: Keep Out of the Water

Health officials and lifeguards, citing the possible dangers of an overnight sewer spill, Saturday warned beachgoers in Long Beach to stay out of the water all weekend.

Health officials decided to close Alamitos Bay and the entire four-mile stretch of the city’s beachfront to water activity after the spill was discovered at 10:30 p.m. Friday near the Long Beach Marina, said Capt. Randall Davis of the city’s beach marine safety and lifeguard service.

Lifeguards posted warning signs along the beach and instructed people to stay out of the water.

The closing was a precautionary measure until tests can be conducted Monday to determine the level of the contamination, authorities said. A decision will be made at that time on whether to lift the ban.

It was not yet known whether the spill of raw waste harmed marine life.

The spill was traced to a backed-up municipal pipe near the marina, Police Lt. Jim Reed said. An unknown amount of sewage escaped before the spill was stopped.

The beaches were not off limits to those who wanted to remain on the sand or to go boating. About 10,000 people visited the beaches Saturday, which lifeguards characterized as “very light” attendance.

“I think probably some people were disappointed they couldn’t go water skiing, but most understand this is for the public safety,” Davis said.

Health department, U.S. Coast Guard and state Fish and Game officials were called in to monitor the spill, which will probably be allowed to dissipate in the ocean, Davis said.