San Clemente Beach Safety Week On Heels Of Shark Sightings

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — San Clemente is home to some of the nicest weather, beaches, and surf found anywhere in the world. But although it’s fun and exciting, the ocean can also be dangerous.

In 2016, San Clemente lifeguards rescued over 1,700 swimmers in distress from our waters. Lifeguards estimate that 80 to 90% of these rescues were swimmers caught in rip currents.

Because of these dangers in San Clemente and anywhere there is open water, May 22nd through May 29th has been designated as National Beach Safety week. In an effort to support Beach Safety Week and to increase beach and ocean safety awareness, the San Clemente City Lifeguards will be hosting a free Open House at the Marine Safety Headquarters on Saturday, May 27th. The Open House is your opportunity to tour lifeguard headquarters and talk to some of the lifeguards you see in the towers and on the beach.

With recent shark sightings closing area beaches, in 2017, beach safety and education is key for residents.

Lifeguards will share ocean and beach safety tips with you and your family. The open house will run from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. All ages are welcome.

Marine Safety Headquarters is located on the beach, just north of the pier in San Clemente.

"In addition to the open house, San Clemente Lifeguards will be also be offering free, one-hour Ocean Safety Clinics where you will learn about ocean safety and have an opportunity to get into the water with a lifeguard - learning how to negotiate waves and get out of rip currents," Laura Ferguson, Public Information Officer for the City of San Clemente said.

This is open to the public on the second and forth Saturdays in June and July (June 10 and 24, and July 8 and 22). The clinics will be conducted at Marine Safety Headquarters from 11 a.m. to noon. If you are new to town or just want to learn more about how to keep your family or yourself safe at the beach, this is a great opportunity.

If you can’t attend the Open House or the free Ocean Safety Clinics, following are some tips the lifeguards would like to share:

• Learn to swim
• Swim near a lifeguard
• Never swim alone
• Check with the lifeguards before going into the water
• Learn rip current safety
• Obey posted signs and flags
• Use sunscreen

"San Clemente lifeguards encourage beachgoers to always contact a lifeguard before going in the ocean," Ferguson said. "The lifeguards will have the best information about the surf size, ocean conditions, and any hazards that may not be apparent."

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