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Lifeguard John DeLima keeps an eye on beach-goers Saturday near the San Clemente Pier.ONWarm water, inland novices combine for record-setting pace this yearBy Fred SweglesSun Post NewsWarm ocean water, strong rip currents, big crowds and an absence of late-afternoon winds are keeping lifeguards on their toes this summer.The rescue count on city beaches is way up from previous summers, and there is no end in sight.As of July 22, San Clemente city lifeguards had logged 1,200 ocean rescues so far this summer, Capt. Bill Humphreys said. That compares to 1,700 rescues for all of last year - and that was a record year. In prior years, 1,100 to 1,200 rescues was the norm.Rescues so far this summer are running double last year’s record pace, Humphreys said, and the peak month - August - hasn’t begun.A lot of it, Humphreys said, is because ocean temperatures have been much more inviting than normal, running mostly in the low to mid-70s.“We’ve had water all the way up to 77,” said Steve Long, lifeguard supervisor at San Clemente State Beach.In previous summers, sea temperatures in the 60s were thePhotos by Paul Bersebach, Sun Post NewsThe Beach Train arrives at the pier Saturday, bringin enced ocean-goers who nevertheless want to get in the water.norm, often low 60s. More bathers are taking to the water and are staying out longer.Also, Humphreys said, strong afternoon winds that turn the ocean choppy have been rare. “We’re having a lot of late crowds that are staying in the water,” he said.This combination is prompting the city to staff its lifeguard towers until sundown - something that some other beach communities don’t do. “Some beaches have set closing times,” Humphreys said.San Clemente State Beach is one. Stung by budget cuts ordered by Sacramento, Long is required to pull his lifeguards from thebeaches at 7:30 p.m..“When we leave the beach, wemake announcements, advising everyone that they are swimming at their own risk,” Long said.While Orange County beaches to the north have recorded six ocean drownings this year, San Clemente beaches have had none.“We’ve gone 24 years without a drowning in a lifeguarded area,” Humphreys said. “In part it is due to our well-trained staff and excellent lifeguards, partly due to the support that we receive from the city financially and through support of our programs such as the junior lifeguard program, and aSee RESCUES page 4Top 10Safety T ips►1. Don't enter the ocean if you don't know how to swim.2. Check with a lifeguard where it is safe. Conditions change.3. Do not swim in anunguarded area.4. Wear fins.5. Use a bodyboard orother flotation device, not just for fun but safety, with leash attached.(. Don't wear a shirt into the water.7. If a rip current pullsyou from shore, don't fight it. Either swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current, or let it carry you out past the surf. It will stop. Signal for help, or swim to another location to return to shore.8. In calm water near shore, shuffle your feet on the sandy bottom, to avoid stepping on a stingray.9. Parents, watch your children.10. If you see someone else in distress, lend them your bodyboard, or signal for help.
Newspaper Details
San Clemente Sun Post News
San Clemente, California, US
Tue, Jul 29, 2003
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Mike M.
USA 12 Apr 2022
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