Naturally occurring tar balls wash ashore in Malibu, Hermosa Beach

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division was warning residents to be wary of gooey black lumps of tar washing ashore at Hermosa Beach and Surfrider Beach in Malibu.

Small amounts of tar balls were washing up because of a natural occurrence, when seepage at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean happens due to the warmer temperatures during the spring and summer months.

LACoFD officials say the globs of tar can irritate the skin and cause long-term health effects. If tar balls are spotted along the beach, health officials urge beachgoers to refrain from touching them and notify the nearest LACoFD lifeguard tower.