Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division

With the arrival of a new SW swell today has issued another {Beach Hazard Statement} citing dangerous rip currents and increased surf heights through Wednesday night.

Swipe for a bird’s-eye view of a rip current forming during last week’s swell in Manhattan Beach. The footage has been sped up so you can clearly see the water movement. Notice as waves break and move up the beach, the water and energy do not simply dissipate. It must return to the ocean, and in doing so, seeks the path of least resistance, forming a rip current.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, first, don’t panic. Panicking will only make it more difficult to get to safety. Instead of fighting the current, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current’s flow. This will shorten the distance you need to travel to safely exit the rip current and return to shore.

Let’s have a fun and safe summer, so please make it a point to check in with a when visiting the beach, so we can point these types of hazards out to you before they put you in a dangerous situation.

Last weekend we celebrated the life of Retired Ocean Lifeguard Specialist and U.S. Navy Frogman Harold “Hal” Dunnigan. After a decorated and honorable career with the LA City and LA County Ocean Lifeguard Divisions, Hal retired in 2006 after 58 years of dedicated and faithful service to the community. He was also an exemplary U.S. Navy Frogman, UDT Class 6 in the Korean War. But beyond his many accolades, Hal had the unique ability to shape generations of lifeguards through his knowledge, mentorship, and passion for life. He had a gift for engaging those around him in conversations about history, literature, and life’s experiences, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

His legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been part of his story.

First weekend of summer was a success! With beaches fully staffed by both permanent and recurrent , crews across the county were ready to respond to the increase in beach attendance and ocean activity that accompanied the season’s opener. Additionally last week’s south swell also brought elevated surf to south-facing beaches across Los Angeles County, keeping lifeguards busy and in the water. Here’s a look at the week by the numbers:

🚨255 Ocean Rescues
🚨245 Medical Aids
🚨23,814 Preventative Actions

Great way to start the summer season!

This week, each area throughout the Division is getting together to discuss the next few months, strategize, and relay expectations to ensure the safest summer possible. Pictured are lifeguard crews from Zuma, Santa Monica, Hermosa, Venice, and Dockweiler.

Here’s to a safe and fun next few months. Let summer begin!

Be advised that beginning tomorrow, a large, long-period SSW swell will build throughout the day, bringing surf in the head-high to well-overhead range at many south-facing beaches across Los Angeles County.

has issued a Beach Hazards Statement that will remain in effect through Thursday evening as wave heights continue to increase. With the surge in ocean energy, dangerous rip currents will also become increasingly prevalent.

So, if you plan on visiting the beach, take a moment to understand the risks and assess conditions by talking to a before entering the water. Proper education makes all the difference and has the ability to prevent emergencies before they happen. See you soon.

Summer is just about here, and with warm, dry conditions expected for most of the week, we look forward to seeing many of you back at the beach. As you do, make it a point to visit our Pride Lifeguard Towers this month at Hermosa Pier, Brooks Street in Venice, and Will Rogers 18 to celebrate a community where all are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Happy Pride Month.

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A few weeks ago, the Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Academy conducted a night operations response drill as part of their advanced training.

These evolutions help newly promoted Ocean Lifeguard Specialists strengthen their coordination, communication, and rapid response capabilities for coastal emergencies at any time of day or night.