Health officials are warning beachgoers to stay out of the water at several popular Los Angeles County beaches after testing found bacteria levels high enough to increase the risk of illness.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water warnings for areas around the Venice Pier, Santa Monica Pier, Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.

The warnings cover 100 yards on either side of the Venice and Santa Monica piers, as well as the entire swim areas at Mother's Beach and Inner Cabrillo Beach.

Officials said recent water samples showed bacteria levels exceeding California health standards, making swimming and other water activities unsafe until conditions improve.

The warning comes as Southern California continues to experience hot weather that is expected to draw large crowds to local beaches.

Health officials have, however, lifted an earlier warning for the Wilshire Boulevard storm drain at Santa Monica Beach after new testing showed water quality had returned to state standards.

The county advises residents to check the latest beach water quality reports before entering the ocean. Current advisories are available through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's beach hotline and on its website.

Similar warnings were issued last week for the same beaches; however, Redondo Beach has since seen its water samples fall within California’s standards.

In July, officials in nearby Orange County were forced to close a quarter mile of beach after 2,000 gallons of sewage was spilled due to a malfunction of a sewer line pump.

According to officials, Beach closures are issued when sewage contamination reaches the ocean or when officials believe there is a serious public health risk. Entering the water in closed areas can increase the risk of illness, particularly for children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water until health officials determine it is safe to reopen the affected areas.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline, 1-800-525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information can be found at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.