As Fourth of July Crowds Fill San Diego Beaches, Lifeguards Rescue Hundreds

San Diego, CA — The first two days of the Fourth of July holiday weekend were busy at San Diego beaches, drawing more than 340,000.

San Diego lifeguards estimated there were 185,800 people at city beaches on Sunday, following an estimated 155,000 people on Saturday, according to Lee Swanson of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Lifeguards performed 228 rescues on Saturday and 211 rescues on Sunday, Swanson said.

The figures provided by Swanson were for beaches within the city of San Diego, such as Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla beaches, and did not account for state beaches and other beaches within San Diego County, such as Imperial Beach, Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Del Mar.

With fireworks shows happening on many San Diego beaches Monday, more crowds are expected.

Swimmers Beware

A beach hazards statement issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 8 p.m. Monday for San Diego County coastal areas.

"Southerly swells will bring elevated surf, strong rip currents and hazardous swimming conditions through the 4th of July holiday," the weather service stated.

"Strong rip currents may pull swimmers out to sea," the statement continues. "A beach hazards statement for rip currents means that conditions are present to support a heightened risk of strong rip currents. Rip currents are typically more frequent and stronger in the vicinity of jetties, inlets and piers."

Beach Safety Tips From San Diego Lifeguards

Swim Near a Lifeguard

The United States Lifesaving Association statistics show the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost five times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards, and the chance of drowning at a beach protected by USLA-affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million (.0000055 percent).

Swim with a Buddy

Many drownings involve single swimmers. When you swim with a buddy, you have someone who may be able to help, and signal for assistance from others. At least have someone onshore watching you.

Check with the Lifeguards

Lifeguards work continually to identify hazards that might affect you. They can advise you on the safest place to swim, as well as places to avoid. Talk to them when you first arrive at the beach and ask them for their advice.

Enter Water Feet First

Serious, lifelong injuries, including paraplegia, occur every year due to diving headfirst into unknown water.
Bodysurfing can result in a serious neck injury when the swimmer's neck strikes the bottom. Check depth before diving, then go feet first the first time; and when bodysurfing, always extend a hand ahead of you.

Learn Rip Current Safety
USLA reports some 80 percent of rescues by USLA-affiliated lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by rip currents. If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and don't try to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore. Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel will bring you to safety.

Obey Posted Signs and Flags

Signs at the beach are intended to help keep you safe and inform you about local regulations. Read the signs when you first arrive and follow their direction. Flags may be flown by lifeguards to advise of hazards and regulations that change from time to time. You can usually find informational signs explaining the flags, or just ask the lifeguard.

Use Sunscreen and Drink Water

Everyone loves a sunny day, but exposure to the sun affects your body. Without sunscreen, you can be seriously burned. The sun’s rays can also cause life-long skin damage and skin cancer. To protect yourself always choose "broad spectrum” sunscreen rated from 15 to 50 SPF, or clothing that covers your skin, and reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day. The sun can also dehydrate you quickly. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, which contributes to dehydration. If you feel ill, be sure to contact a lifeguard.

Keep the Beach and Water Clean

Nobody likes to see the beach or water littered with trash. Even in places where beach cleaning services pick up trash daily, it may linger on the beach for hours, causing an unsightly mess and threatening the health of birds and animals. Do your part. Pick up after yourself and even others. Everyone will appreciate you for it.

(Image via Pixabay)