LOS ANGELES -- The ocean water near Venice and Dockweiler beaches remained off-limits to swimmers Friday due to a 2,400-gallon sewage spill.

Beachgoers were advised to stay out of the water one-quarter of a mile north and south of Ballona Creek until at least Saturday, according to the county Department of Public Health.

The Los Angeles City Bureau of Sanitation responded to the spill about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and discovered that 2,400 gallons of raw sewage had entered Ballona Creek.

"The beaches are still open for recreational uses such as walking, exercising or relaxing. However, we advise people to avoid swimming and playing in the ocean water," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county's public health director.

"We will re-open the beaches once we verify the test results indicate that bacteria levels meet health safety standards," he said.

For more information on beach conditions, contact the Department of Public Health at 800-525-5662 or log onto www.lapublichealth.org/beach.