By JENNIKA INGRAM | Reporter
With highs in the mid-80s, Labor Day weekend at Will Rogers State Beach at the waterfront of Pacific Palisades proved busier than last year.
“There were seven rescues, 71 medical assists and two missing persons who have since been reunited,” Ocean Lifeguard Specialist for the Los Angeles County Fire Department Pono Barnes told the Palisadian-Post.
Those numbers are higher than 2018, with four rescues, 52 medical assists and no missing persons in the Will Rogers State Beach area, according to Barnes.
“Be sure to always swim in front of a lifeguard tower, and check-in with that lifeguard for current ocean conditions and hazards,” Barnes explained.
“The ocean is an always dynamic and changing environment, and if people are not ocean savvy, it’s really important to come by the lifeguard stand and ask about current conditions.”
He also reminded beachgoers to “swim, surf and bodyboard within their abilities.”
Even though school is back in session, lifeguard operations are still working 24 hours per day and the local towers along Will Rogers State Beach are open during daylight hours, so Barnes encouraged community members to continue to enjoy the beach and good weather.
Divisionwide, there were 286 rescues over the course of the weekend, from Cabrillo Beach up to Zuma, as well as a rescue boat section and Catalina Island.
For the latest updates and beach conditions, check out
@LACoLifeguards on Twitter.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
