This week, Heal The Bay released their annual scorecard measuring water pollution at beaches all along the west coast. Several spots were sampled near Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Venice and Marina Del Rey at many of the popular swimming spots for Playa residents. (Note: The county just announced that beaches will be closed for the 4th of July weekend due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.)
Overall, Heal The Bay emphasized that “dry seasons” like the one we’re experiencing now, lend to much cleaner water quality because less runoff from streets and neighborhoods taint the ocean near the coastline. They recommend avoiding beach swimming altogether within 72 hours of rain.
In fact, nearly all of the beaches near Playa Vista become “F” ratings during wet weather. The exceptions are Toes Beach and the north side of Dockweiler which make a B grade during wet times. In normal dry conditions, here’s how the beaches near us faired. As locals probably know, steer clear of Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey:
- Playa Del Rey “Toes Beach”, near Culver Blvd, Lagoon Park and Playa Provisions: A+
- Playa Del Rey Beach, near Vista Del Mar Park at the north end of Dockweiler: A+
- Playa Del Rey at north-most end near Ballona Creek mouth and Marina Del Rey entrance: A
- Dockweiler State Beach, near main entrance at Imperial Hwy: A
- Dockweiler State Beach between main entrance and Playa Del Rey: A+
- Marina Del Rey Mothers’ Beach in Basin D of the marina: Various grades of A through F depending on the location; safest being near the playground
- Venice City Beach at the Pier near Washington Blvd: A+