From the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department: The San Diego coast is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike, keeping the San Diego Fire-Rescue Lifeguard Division busy with more than 9,000 water rescues performed on average each year. To kick off the summer season, SDFD lifeguards, in collaboration with Toyota, the Official Vehicle of the lifeguards, will promote water safety throughout the summer including on Labor Day.
Look for SDFD lifeguards and Toyota at your local beaches including Mission, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach. San Diego public safety personnel will be on hand to discuss water safety tips at these events, as well as highlight job opportunities as an SDFD lifeguard. Toyota will be on-site to showcase their fleet to include a lifeguard vehicle which is a key tool in public safety efforts along the City’s beaches and cliffs.
- Sunday, June 20, 2021, La Jolla – Ellen Browning Scripps Park – 1100 Coast Blvd., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, July 3, 2021, Mission Beach – 3100 Ocean Front Walk – on the grass, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, July 24, 2021, La Jolla – Ellen Browning Scripps Park – 1100 Coast Blvd. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, August 8, 2021, Mission Beach – 3100 Ocean Front Walk – on the grass, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday, August 16, 2021, Ocean Beach – 1900 Ocean Front St., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday, September 6, 2021, Mission Beach – 3100 Ocean Front Walk – on the grass, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information and the complete Summer 2021 schedule, visit sandiego.gov/WaterSafety
For more information about Lifeguard Services, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards
For information about Junior Lifeguards, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/junior
Beach and Water Safety: In an effort to avoid tragic accidents, San Diego lifeguards ask anyone coming to the beaches and coastal areas to consider the following safety guidelines:
- Learn to swim
- Swim near a lifeguard
- Never swim alone
- Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
- Don’t rely on flotation devices, such as rafts or inner-tubes. Even US Coast Guard approved life jackets are not a substitute for swimming ability
- If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don’t swim against the current’s pull
- Do not swim while under the influence of illicit drugs, medications that may cause impairment or alcohol
- Protect your head, neck and spine — don’t dive into unfamiliar waters — feet first, first time
- If you are in trouble, call or wave for help
- Follow regulations and lifeguard directions
- Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances
- Scuba dive only if trained and certified — and within the limits of your experience and training
- Report hazardous conditions to lifeguards or other beach management personnel
- Stay clear of coastal bluffs, they can collapse and cause injury
- Never turn your back to the ocean — you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas by waves that can come without warning
