Swimming, Surfing & Lifeguards

Yes, you can swim at Santa Monica State Beach. Lifeguards from the Los Angeles County Fire Department patrol the beach, so swim near a staffed tower. The water is not always clean: LA County Public Health tells beachgoers to stay out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after rain, and Heal the Bay advises swimming at least 100 yards from piers and flowing storm drains. Check the current grade before you go in.

Check the Water First

Santa Monica's water quality changes with the weather and with where you stand.

• After rain: LA County Public Health cautions beachgoers to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall, and may extend that if more rain falls. Runoff carries bacteria from streets into the bay through the storm drain system.
• Near the Pier and storm drains: Heal the Bay advises swimming at least 100 yards away from flowing storm drains, creeks and piers.
• Grades: Heal the Bay's Beach Report Card gives California beaches A-to-F grades based on bacteria levels, updated as samples come in. Look up the Santa Monica stretch you plan to use.
• Advisories and closures: LA County Public Health posts ocean water warnings and closures online and on signs at the beach. Its ocean water hotline is 800-525-5662.

If a sign says the water is closed or under a warning, stay out of it, even if other people are in.

Lifeguards

The Los Angeles County Fire Department's Lifeguard Division handles water rescue and medical calls along 72 miles of Los Angeles County beaches and Santa Monica Bay, including Santa Monica. Swim in front of a lifeguard tower that is staffed, and follow the lifeguards' flags and instructions. The Santa Monica Pier also has its own Harbor Guard office (310-458-8695).

Surfing

Surfing is a regular sight here. Two rules matter if you want lessons:

• Surf schools need a City permit. The City licenses surf instructors on the beach. Permitted instructors wear City-issued colored rash guards, teach no more than two students at a time in the water, and must be 18 or older. If someone offers lessons without a permit or rash guard, they are not operating with the City's approval.
• Boards in the swim area: surf away from crowds of swimmers and follow the lifeguards' directions.

Check a surf report for size and conditions before you paddle out; LA County Beaches & Harbors links one from its site.

Safety Basics

• Fire debris: after recent wildfires, LA County warned that charred debris can wash up on Santa Monica Bay beaches, with sharp edges, nails or glass. Stay away from it and watch where you step.
• Leave the big gear at home. The City bans inflatable structures, bounce houses, generators and fires (outside City grills) on the beach.
• Belongings: the Pier has no lockers. Keep valuables in your car or bring only what you need.

A Pool Instead

On cold-water or bad-water days, the heated pool at the Annenberg Community Beach House is open in summer, with same-day passes sold at the Guest Services window.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: a summer swim near a lifeguard tower on a dry week, bodyboarding, and beginner surf lessons with a permitted school.

Maybe skip if: it rained in the last three days, or you planned to swim right under the Pier. Walk a few hundred yards north or south first.