Public Invited To Christening Of New Lifeguard Vessel

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A new life-saving vessel will take to South Orange County waters, after the City of Laguna Beach invited the public to the christening and dedication ceremony of its new Marine Safety Vessel, "Wave Watch."

“The reintroduction of the Rescue Vessel Program through ‘Wave Watch’ represents a significant milestone for the Laguna Beach community,” Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf said in a statement. “This vessel fills a crucial gap in our offshore response capabilities, reinforcing our commitment to marine safety and emergency response from the water.”

The vessel, crafted by Crystaliner, is designed to withstand various ocean conditions and execute diverse rescue operations efficiently, the city said.

The vessel is equipped with advanced communication systems, including Lifeguard 800-megahertz radio and ship-to-ship V.H.F radio, which will facilitate seamless coordination during emergencies.

“’Wave Watch’ is an invaluable addition to our marine safety efforts, dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all who enjoy our coastal waters,” Acting Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond said. “It substantially enhances our emergency response infrastructure, improving efficiency and effectiveness in on-water emergency operations.”

The dedication ceremony takes place Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m. at Marina Park, 1600 West Newport Boulevard.

Attending residents can find parking in the adjacent parking lot, the city said.