Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division

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@LACOLIFEGUARDS

According to @noaa, ocean temperatures at the Santa Monica Pier were recorded at 70.2°F earlier this week, compared to a historical November average of approximately 62°F. Farther offshore in Santa Monica Bay, temperatures reached 74.5°F, well above what we would typically expect for this time of year.

With a new high-pressure system expected to move in later this week, beachgoers can look forward to some very pleasant beach and ocean conditions along the coast this weekend.

However, ocean hazards, including rip currents, remain a concern, so please remember to always swim and surf in front of an open lifeguard tower.

Stay tuned here for updates as we approach Saturday and Sunday.

According to @noaa, ocean temperatures at the Santa Monica Pier were recorded at 70.2°F earlier this week, compared to a historical November average of approximately 62°F. Farther offshore in Santa Monica Bay, temperatures reached 74.5°F, well above what we would typically expect for this time of year.

With a new high-pressure system expected to move in later this week, beachgoers can look forward to some very pleasant beach and ocean conditions along the coast this weekend.

However, ocean hazards, including rip currents, remain a concern, so please remember to always swim and surf in front of an open lifeguard tower.

Stay tuned here for updates as we approach Saturday and Sunday.

With some decent-sized swells arriving over the last few weeks, our Rescue Watercraft (RWC) operators had the opportunity to get the skis in the water for some training.

A thorough understanding of wave behavior, throttle control, and the ability to make split-second decisions in a constantly changing environment all require continued training and time on the water.

Reading the surf, maintaining situational awareness, and knowing the limitations of both the operator and the craft are critical to safely navigating the surf line and executing rescues when necessary.

With some decent-sized swells arriving over the last few weeks, our Rescue Watercraft (RWC) operators had the opportunity to get the skis in the water for some training.

A thorough understanding of wave behavior, throttle control, and the ability to make split-second decisions in a constantly changing environment all require continued training and time on the water.

Reading the surf, maintaining situational awareness, and knowing the limitations of both the operator and the craft are critical to safely navigating the surf line and executing rescues when necessary.

Remember, at 2 AM on Sunday, we’ll “fall back” one hour as Daylight Saving Time ends. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep and earlier sunsets as we head toward winter!

📸: @wadleywadley

Remember, at 2 AM on Sunday, we’ll “fall back” one hour as Daylight Saving Time ends. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep and earlier sunsets as we head toward winter!

📸: @wadleywadley

Happy Halloween weekend from your @lacolifeguards! As another October comes to a close, we wish everyone a safe and fun weekend. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or heading out for trick-or-treating, stay alert and look out for one another. Have a spook-tacular night, Los Angeles!

Happy Halloween weekend from your @lacolifeguards! As another October comes to a close, we wish everyone a safe and fun weekend. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or heading out for trick-or-treating, stay alert and look out for one another. Have a spook-tacular night, Los Angeles!

The work doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

Night operations aboard our Baywatch rescue boats present a unique set of challenges. Limited visibility, changing ocean conditions, and the difficulty of navigating in darkness require a high level of skill, communication, and situational awareness.

From responding to vessels in distress and conducting search and rescue operations to assisting with emergencies offshore, our Baywatch crews play an important role in keeping our coastal communities safe around the clock.

Ongoing nighttime training helps our personnel become familiar with operating in low-visibility conditions, sharpening the skills and coordination needed to respond safely and effectively when every second counts.

The work doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

Night operations aboard our Baywatch rescue boats present a unique set of challenges. Limited visibility, changing ocean conditions, and the difficulty of navigating in darkness require a high level of skill, communication, and situational awareness.

From responding to vessels in distress and conducting search and rescue operations to assisting with emergencies offshore, our Baywatch crews play an important role in keeping our coastal communities safe around the clock.

Ongoing nighttime training helps our personnel become familiar with operating in low-visibility conditions, sharpening the skills and coordination needed to respond safely and effectively when every second counts.

Our rescue watercraft play an important role in ocean rescue operations, helping @lacolifeguards reach swimmers in distress and assist them safely back to shore.

During RWC training, personnel practice maneuvering through the surf, approaching victims, and coordinating with rescue partners. Each phase requires control, clear communication, and strong situational awareness.
Through ongoing training and repetition, lifeguards develop the skills needed to adapt to changing conditions and respond safely and effectively when help is needed.

Training never stops.

Our rescue watercraft play an important role in ocean rescue operations, helping @lacolifeguards reach swimmers in distress and assist them safely back to shore.

During RWC training, personnel practice maneuvering through the surf, approaching victims, and coordinating with rescue partners. Each phase requires control, clear communication, and strong situational awareness.
Through ongoing training and repetition, lifeguards develop the skills needed to adapt to changing conditions and respond safely and effectively when help is needed.

Training never stops.

A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect from @nwslosangeles through Thursday at 1 PM due to elevated morning high tides.

Low-lying coastal areas, including parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways, are most at risk for flooding, with beach erosion also possible.

Peak high tides are expected to reach 7.5 to 8 feet, slightly above predicted levels. Those in flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions to protect their property and stay tuned to @nwslosangeles for updates.

A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect from @nwslosangeles through Thursday at 1 PM due to elevated morning high tides.

Low-lying coastal areas, including parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways, are most at risk for flooding, with beach erosion also possible.

Peak high tides are expected to reach 7.5 to 8 feet, slightly above predicted levels. Those in flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions to protect their property and stay tuned to @nwslosangeles for updates.

In case you missed this year’s swim test, be sure to fill out an interest card to stay up to date on all hiring updates. Click the link in our bio to sign up!

In case you missed this year’s swim test, be sure to fill out an interest card to stay up to date on all hiring updates. Click the link in our bio to sign up!

Almost 40 years ago�—the Santa Monica crew of 1987.

#fbf

Almost 40 years ago—the Santa Monica crew of 1987.

#fbf

From routine patrols to complex emergency responses, rescue boat operations demand a high level of skill, communication, and coordination.

Last week, @lacolifeguards hosted a Rescue Boat Operations course, giving participants an in-depth look at the skills, knowledge, and teamwork required to safely and effectively operate our rescue boats.

The course covered a wide range of topics, like search and rescue operations, charting and navigation, limited-visibility operations, specialized rescues, hoist operations, and more.

Thanks to all instructors and participants who made this year’s course possible.

From routine patrols to complex emergency responses, rescue boat operations demand a high level of skill, communication, and coordination.

Last week, @lacolifeguards hosted a Rescue Boat Operations course, giving participants an in-depth look at the skills, knowledge, and teamwork required to safely and effectively operate our rescue boats.

The course covered a wide range of topics, like search and rescue operations, charting and navigation, limited-visibility operations, specialized rescues, hoist operations, and more.

Thanks to all instructors and participants who made this year’s course possible.

Periods of rain are expected today through Thursday as a storm system moves through the region, with the potential for thunderstorms and localized flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect for the Malibu Coast from 4 PM today through 4 PM Thursday.    A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued by @nwslosangeles for the LA County coastline through late Thursday night, bringing waves in the 3 to 5 ft range with dangerous rip currents. Please stay off rocks and jetties and check in with a @lacolifeguards team member for current conditions and any hazards that may be present.

Also, please remember to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall due to runoff and elevated bacteria levels. For water quality updates, check @lapublichealth, and follow @nwslosangeles for the latest forecast.

Stay informed, stay dry, and stay safe.

📷: @wadleywadley

Periods of rain are expected today through Thursday as a storm system moves through the region, with the potential for thunderstorms and localized flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect for the Malibu Coast from 4 PM today through 4 PM Thursday.    A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued by @nwslosangeles for the LA County coastline through late Thursday night, bringing waves in the 3 to 5 ft range with dangerous rip currents. Please stay off rocks and jetties and check in with a @lacolifeguards team member for current conditions and any hazards that may be present.

Also, please remember to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall due to runoff and elevated bacteria levels. For water quality updates, check @lapublichealth, and follow @nwslosangeles for the latest forecast.

Stay informed, stay dry, and stay safe.

📷: @wadleywadley

Midchannel wildlife can make even the Baywatch boat look small.

While seasonal migration and feeding patterns vary by whale species, the San Pedro Channel remains an important habitat for several species of whales throughout the year.

From spring through fall, humpback and minke whales can be found feeding in Southern California waters, while fin whales are present year-round, with their movements and concentrations influenced by the availability of krill and other prey.

Looking ahead, December through February marks the southbound migration of gray whales as they travel from their northern feeding grounds toward the warm, protected breeding and calving lagoons of Baja California. From February through May, these whales make their way north again, passing along the LA County coastline toward feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas

Midchannel wildlife can make even the Baywatch boat look small.

While seasonal migration and feeding patterns vary by whale species, the San Pedro Channel remains an important habitat for several species of whales throughout the year.

From spring through fall, humpback and minke whales can be found feeding in Southern California waters, while fin whales are present year-round, with their movements and concentrations influenced by the availability of krill and other prey.

Looking ahead, December through February marks the southbound migration of gray whales as they travel from their northern feeding grounds toward the warm, protected breeding and calving lagoons of Baja California. From February through May, these whales make their way north again, passing along the LA County coastline toward feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas

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lacolifeguards

Lifeguard Division Overview

10:59

Tales from the Tower - Baywatch Rescue Boats

05:28

Underwater Rescue and Recovery Unit

01:43

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