Long Beach Lifeguards Do More

Lifeguards Do Much More Than You Think

By C. MacDonald

Long Beach, CA--We see lifeguards in red swimsuits watching over people at beaches to ensure safety. But they do much, much more. Long Beach City Councilwoman and Historian Gerrie Schipske knows this and recently invited residents of her 5th District to go "behind-the-scenes" at Mother's Beach (5715 Appian Way) and Lifeguard Headquarters (2100 E. Ocean) to see what "lifeguarding" is all about.

"It's part of a series I'm doing to make the city more transparent, more understandable to the people who live here," said the Long Beach native, who is also author of "Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach," "Early Aviation in Long Beach" and "Early Long Beach."

Fascinated residents learned how lifeguards (Marine Safety Officers) save lives in many ways. They are trained to serve as Firefighters, Peace Officers, Certified Divers, Emergency Medical Technicians, some as Paramedics, and much more.

Long Beach Lifeguards, a division of the Fire Department, also have a Rescue Boat at the Rowing Center near Marine Stadium. Boat Operator Jeff Williams explained how the two-person crew serves as Harbor Patrol (including, Law Enforcement to catch speeders, boaters under the influence and reckless driving).

"We tow disabled vessels and fight fires that are on water and land," Williams said. "If a house catches fire near the water, we can spray water on it and provide medical assistance."

Marine Safety Officer Aaron Fletcher showed a "Point Last Seen" Buoy, used to mark where a person disappeared in the water. "Witnesses will show us where someone was last seen going under. We can mark the spot and divers can look underwater right away."
He also showed off a special inflatable boat and a Rapid Diver Unit for Swift Water Rescues." The unit, which protects the "lifeguard," fits like a "horse collar" and helps speed up the rescue. It's used in both the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers in the area. Fletcher said he carries this unit, firefighting gear and other emergency outfits with him in his vehicle so he's ready when called upon.

Marine Safety Captain Scott Dixon, who learned to swim near Marina Park and graduated from the Junior Lifeguard Program, said Long Beach was the first to have lifeguards, the first to use the tornado can, power boats and rescue paddleboards—now used by their peers around the globe.

He said Long Beach has 24 full-time Marine Safety Officers and the staff grows to 150 during the Summer Season, when seasonal lifeguards are hired.

For more information on Long Beach Marine Safety, call 562-570-1286. To contact Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, call 562-570-6932 or district5@longbeach.gov.