The water along the California coast looks so soothing on hot summer days. The temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the coast range between 70 degrees in Southern California to 51 degrees on the North Coast around the 4th of July (see the Ocean Temperature Chart.) The glistening water and waves beckon as you watch others frolic and have fun. It surely most be OK to enter the water, swim & play like everyone else, right? Answer: While most the water on the coast will be fine for water activities, there are some problem spots you should avoid as of this printing, July 1, 2011.

If you see others in the ocean in problem spots on the list below, you should know that beaches don't necessarily close when they get "F" grades. Also, the ever-changing ocean can suddenly sweep away pollution from a beach, which is an argument for not closing beaches that get failing grades.

Data from Healthebay.org provides insights into problems that may cause you to become sick. Some areas such as Avalon on Catalina Island consistently face challenges with their water quality. Here is today's Beach Report Card:

F GRADE - The Worst!
Arroyo Burro Beach at Arroyo Burro Creek - Santa Barbara County
Avalon Beach- btw. Pier & Busy Bee (1/3 distance) - Los Angeles County
Avalon Beach- btw. Pier & Busy Bee Rest (2/3 distance)
Avalon Beach- btwn. Busy Bee & Tuna Club
Cabrillo Beach - harborside at restrooms - Los Angeles County
Cowell Beach, west of the wharf - Santa Cruz County
Crissy Field Beach East, 202.4 Station - San Francisco County
Dana Point- San Juan Creek, ocean interface - Orange County
Doheny Beach - 1000'south of outfall - Orange County
Escondido Creek, just east of Escondido State Beach - Los Angeles County
Kiteboard Beach - San Mateo County
Latigo Canyon Creek mouth - Los Angeles County
Malibu Pier - 50 yards east - Los Angeles County
Pillar Point Harbor, end of Westpoint Ave. - San Mateo County
Rodeo Beach, North - Marin County
Solstice Canyon at Dan Blocker County Beach - Los Angeles County
Surfrider Beach (breach location)- daily Los Angeles County
Topanga State Beach at creek mouth - Los Angeles County
Zuma Beach at Zuma Creek mouth - Los Angeles County

D GRADE
Candlestick Point, Jackrabbit Beach - San Francisco County