They enjoy surfing.
Bird droppings, toxic algae, and harmful chemicals have made the iconic Santa Monica Pier one of California’s least appealing beach areas. Yet, many tourists seem oblivious to the risks as they swim in contaminated waters.
The monitoring group Heal the Bay recently gave the area an “F” rating due to alarming levels of total coliform, fecal coliform (E. coli), and enterococcus detected in the water.
Fishing isn’t any safer, with officials advising anglers against consuming their catch because of the toxic substances found in local fish.
Beachgoers basking in the sun seemed either unaware or unconcerned about these hazards.
“For us, everything is the same as long as the water isn’t too cold,” remarked Aldo Frias, 49, a visitor from Mexico City, who came with his family to enjoy an unusually warm weekend.
“Maybe I’ll go for a swim,” he added with a nonchalant shrug.
According to Heal the Bay’s 2025 rankings, Santa Monica Pier was rated as #2 on their “Beach Bummers” list.
Nearby storm drains discharge waste into the ocean, but seabirds are significant contributors, nesting in large numbers around this tourist destination and leaving behind unpleasant droppings.
Although authorities have attempted to deter birds by installing cages and wires, these measures have had minimal impact.
With regard to fishing, the California Department of Environmental Health cautions anglers to avoid certain species due to high mercury and PCB levels, chemicals associated with severe health issues.
“I don’t really eat it here because it’s pretty bad. The meat often looks black when you cut it open,” said 19-year-old Neil Johnson, who regularly travels from Arizona to fish—only catch-and-release for him these days.
Johnson noted a decline in conditions over the five years he has fished at the pier.
He mentioned encountering “red tide,” where red algae blooms disrupt ecosystems and can pose threats to human health as well. Meanwhile, the size and population of fish seem to dwindle.
“It’s not as good as it used to be. I’m not sure what’s going on,” he expressed, observing that the pier has consistently received an “F” rating, while the nearby south beach—previously rated “A”—suddenly turned problematic with bacterial contamination last November.
Various human and environmental factors contribute to pollution at the beaches. Storms and heavy rains can turn clean waters into toxic mixtures, warns Dr. Amalia Almada from USC’s Sea Grant Program, citing how prolonged storms lead to bacteria and chemicals contaminating both water and sand.
On a recent Friday, a beachgoer named John, equipped with a metal detector, showed little concern about wading in the waves or digging in the sand.
“It’s okay. Everyone’s okay,” he stated confidently.
Meanwhile, Jesus Gonzalez, 35, visiting from Arizona, was seen playing in the water with his family.
“This is my first time here. I didn’t know the water was contaminated,” he shared. “But with all the trash around, it’s probably not surprising. It’s much cleaner where I live in Phoenix.”
A lifeguard, identified as Chaz, acknowledged the bacteria and chemicals present in the water, mentioning that “no swimming” signs are nearly always visible. Still, he admits he swims sometimes for fun.
“I’m getting used to it,” he remarked.
Despite the warnings, there seems to be little to deter tourists and fishermen from immersing themselves in the polluted waters.
“We just advise people to swim at their own risk,” Chaz added.
