LOS ANGELES (CBS) — After nearly two weeks of on-again, off-again rain, beachgoers are being warned to hold off on going into the water.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued an advisory Tuesday to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the ocean around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers.

Bacteria, debris, trash and other public hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters through these outlets, the advisory said. The advisory will be in effect until at least 3:30 p.m. Thursday and could be extended if there is more rainfall.

Apart from discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, other parts of Los Angeles County beaches are exempt from the advisory.

“Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach, and therefore, anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing,” Jonathan E. Fielding, Public Health Director and Health Officer, said in a statement.

“We do advise swimmers and surfers to stay away from the storm drains, creeks and rivers as there is the possibility that bacteria or chemicals from debris and trash may contaminate the water near and around these areas, and some individuals may become ill.”

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline, 1-800-525-5662. Information also is available at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach/.

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