20 Nov, 2009
Oil Spill Closes Alameda Beaches, 30 California Beaches Get an “F” This Week
Posted by: Beach Reporter In: beaches| california
Before you enter the Pacific Ocean, do you know what you are stepping into? Most people don’t. Reporters interviewing beach attendees have shown time after time that even when there are postings at a closed beach, the warning signs are hard to see and visitors continue to swim and play. And, when beaches get an “F” grade for water that can make you sick, signs often do not go up to let you know. But wouldn’t you like to be aware of high levels of sewage and other contaminants any time you head for the beach? Unfortunately no system is in place to inform you of such, other than doing your research on sites such as healthebay.org. Sometimes we like to digest this information for your beach visit or vacation.
Here is a summary of current beach water quality conditions during November 2009:
While only one or two California beaches dropped off the “F” list for water quality this past week, the closure of Alameda beaches due to an oil spill from Dubai Star oil tanker was an additional set back.
ALAMEDA COUNTY BEACH CLOSURES:
- Crown Beach 2001 Shoreline Dr.
- Crown Beach Bath House
- Crown Beach Bird Sanctuary
- Crown Beach Sunset Rd.
- Crown Beach Windsurfer Corner
- Encinal Beach north
- Encinal Beach south
F grades came to 30 California beaches this week with a warning that you should not swim in these waters. Doing so could make you sick. If you should not heed warnings, do be sure not to get water into your eyes, ears, and any open wounds or sores. Wash off thorougly after exposing yourself to these beach water sources below:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Avalon Beach- btw. Pier & Busy Bee (1/3 distance)
- Avalon Beach- btw. Pier & Busy Bee Rest (2/3 distance)
- Colorado Lagoon, south
- Marina del Rey, Mothers’ Beach - playground area
- Redondo Municipal Pier - south side
- Santa Monica Municipal Pier
- Solstice Canyon at Dan Blocker County Beach
- Venice Beach at Windward Ave. drain
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY “F” GRADES
- Cowell Beach west edge of Dream Inn
- Cowell Beach, west of the wharf
- Main Beach Lifeguard Tower 2
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Santa Cruz Main Beach at the Wharf
ORANGE COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Dana Point- Doheny Beach, north of San Juan Creek
- Dana Point- San Juan Creek, ocean interface
- Doheny Beach - 3000′ south of outfall
- San Clemente - Poche Beach
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Cabrillo Beach - harborside at restrooms
- Candlestick Point, Sunnydale Cove
- Candlestick Point, Windsurfer Circle
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Gaviota State Beach at Canada de las Cruces
- Jalama Beach at Jalama Creek
MONTEREY COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Monterey Municipal Beach (at the commercial wharf)
- Stillwater Cove, at Beach and Tennis Club
MENDOCINO COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Hare Creek
SAN DIEGO COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Mission Bay, Visitor’s Center - proj. of Clairemont
MARIN COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Stinson Beach, South
HUMBOLDT COUNTY BEACHES “F” GRADES
- Moonstone County Park (Little River State Beach)
SAN MATEO COUNTY “F” GRADES
- Rockaway Beach at Calera Creek
