Tag: Beach Safety

Lifeguards: “Honestly, it’s Okay To Talk To Us”

Jul 5, 2017 4:54 pm

Chance Pardon loves his Summer job as a lifeguard in Los Angeles County.  He considers his outgoing personality a key part of his job.

“We’re friendly people.  We like to talk to our guests,” Pardon said.  “We’re up in our tiny box sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come up and ask us about the conditions of the day.”

Talking to a lifeguard before getting in the ocean can be a valuable tool for beachgoers.

“Check in with the lifeguard,” advises Los Angeles Country Fire Department Lifeguard spokesperson Lidia Barillas.  “We’ll be happy to point out the current conditions and hazards that are going on that day for that area.”

An estimated 150 million people visit California beaches each year.

“Obviously we can’t have long, drawn out conversations but we are very happy to go over conditions and hazards and … continue reading »

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Beware of Dangerous Rip Currents!

Jun 16, 2017 8:14 am

Rip currents are strong and often very localized currents can carry unsuspecting swimmers out to sea. The currents usually move at 1 to 2 feet per second, but stronger ones can pull at 8 feet per second.

Learn how to spot a rip current. Look for:

  • A channel of choppy water.

 

  • An area with a different color than the rest of the water, often gray or brownish in color.

 

  • A line of foam, seaweed or debris that’s moving out to sea.

 

  • A break in the incoming waves.

 

Always try to avoid rip currents by following these safety precautions: 

 

  • Swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.

 

  • Talk to the lifeguard on duty about ocean conditions for the day.

 

  • Learn how to float before you venture ankle-deep into the ocean.

 

If you find yourself caught in a rip … continue reading »

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