Will Laguna Beach Regain Control Of South Laguna Shoreline?

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach City Council is aiming to retake the coastline in South Laguna Beach along a five-mile stretch of coastline, according to a recent city council session.

In 1987 Laguna Beach annexed South Laguna from Orange County. Since that time, Orange County and OC Lifeguards have managed the beaches from Aliso Beach, Camel Point, Laguna Royale, West Street, Table Rock and Thousand Steps. Residents told the Orange County Register that they hope greater attention is paid to public safety in the water, and that the quaint neighborhoods of South Laguna Beach would be protected by city ordinances.

Nearby neighborhoods are unable to handle the multitude of visitors who park and walk to these beaches each year, according to locals. The Register took a deeper look into how Laguna Lifeguards could include the quality of life for residents, as well as the safety of all while visiting the shore.

Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow discussed changes that would occur if Laguna takes over with the Register.

"Increasing lifeguard coverage will help reduce impacts on city beaches and improve visitor-related quality of life issues in adjacent neighborhoods," Snow said.

A uniform coastline lifeguardwould also keep confusion at bay as far as collecting, and cleaning up when visiting the beaches, according to the Register. Laguna Beaches are considered "no take" zones when it comes to seashells and sea life. Lifeguards would be expected to maintain that enforcement.

Councilman Bob Whalen and other city officials have attempted to get a deal going with the county for over a year. At Tuesday's council meeting, it was decided that an agreement would be drafted to retake the shoreline along with all the maintenance, management and staffing that it would command.

Annual operational costs of managing South Laguna Beaches were expected to reach $2.25 million, with another $700,000 in initial costs. The county has offered $22 million to hire lifeguards and purchase vehicles and towers which could help maintain the 11,000 linear feet of sand over the next 20 years, according to the city.

"I think it will be a real benefit to our community and make beaches better in south Laguna," Whalen said at the meeting. "I'm a big fan of this."

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