Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department Marks 90th Anniversary

The Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department invites the public to a day of activities celebrating its 90th anniversary on Saturday, June 15.

For 90 years, the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department has been dedicated to the community in many ways, including drowning prevention, open water rescue, emergency medical service, public education, and Junior Lifeguard training. Currently, there are 32 lifeguard towers, two personal rescue watercrafts, over 100 seasonal employees and almost 400 Junior Lifeguards on staff. The Department performed over 5,000 water-related rescues in 2018 alone.

The Laguna Beach Lifeguard Department was officially created in 1929. Some of the first employed lifeguards were Ed Hobart and George Griffin, lifeguarding Main Beach on horseback with tower coverage on selected beaches during seasonal crowds. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Laguna Beach Lifeguard Department saw professional growth incorporating modern lifeguarding techniques such as first aid, water rescue skills and testing standards. In 2014, the newly renovated Marine Safety Headquarters at Main Beach was completed.

If You’re Going:

What: Celebration of 90th Anniversary of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department

When:Saturday, June 15, 2019

Activities:

10:00 a.m. Main Beach Tower– Surf Relay Competition (Teams Set Up by Age Group)

11:00 a.m. Main Beach Tower– Group Photo of Everyone Attending Anniversary Celebration

12:00 p.m. Marine Safety Headquarters, North Main Beach– Tour of New Headquarters

1:00 p.m. Heisler Park Above Picnic Beach– Lunch Gathering

4:00 p.m. Hennessy’s Tavern– Afternoon Gathering