Cowell Beach Gets an 'F'

Cowell Beach has just received a dubious honor from an environmental non-profit group.

Heal the Bay, headquartered in Santa Monica, analyzed the weekly bacterial pollution in 441 beaches statewide. While 54 Bay Area sands received "A" grades, Cowell was stamped with an "F."

It also ranked second on the group's "Beach Bummer List," which names the top 10 most polluted beaches in California.

Poor grades indicate that beachgoers face an increased risk of contracting illnesses, such the as stomach flu, ear infections and skin rashes as opposed to those frolicking at cleaner beaches.

This is the third year in a row that the beach has made it on the bummer list, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Decaying kelp and the water quality issues related to the proximity of the wharf are contributing factors to Cowell's less-than-stellar ranking, the paper reports.

While conditions at Cowell are worrisome, Los Angeles County holds a troubling seven spots on the bummer list.