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Beach Operations

Beach Operations is responsible for all day operations. A minimum of two lifeguard response vehicles are on duty to cover all daytime needs. During our busiest season, June to September, 140 seasonal lifeguards are employed to assist with the increased need for service.

Additional resources include supporting individuals with limited mobility to promote accessibility throughout our beaches and waterways. We have 3 rubberized wheelchair ramps leading from the bike path/sidewalk to the waterline at 1st Place, Granada Ave, and Marine Park. Additionally, there are 3 concrete ramps leading from the bike path to the waterline at 1st Place, Granada Ave, and Claremont Ave. Molibility mats can be found in Alamitos, Granada, and Mother's Beach near the lifeguard tower.

The City has 3 sand wheelchairs available that are specially designed wheelchairs used to provide mobility for individuals on sandy beaches located at Lifeguard Headquarters, Marine Park Lifeguard Station, and Bayshore Leeway Sailing Center. These wheelchairs are equipped with large, wide wheels that prevent them from sinking into the sand, allowing users to navigate the beach more easily. They are typically made from durable materials that can withstand exposure to sand, saltwater, and other beach conditions.

There is a sand wheelchair located at Lifeguard Headquarters, Marine Park Lifeguard Station, and Bayshore Leeway Sailing Center. If you would like to request a sand wheelchair, call our Beach Operations line (562) 570-1360 in advance (ideally at least one hour) so we can have a beach unit drop a wheelchair at any of our oceanfront or stillwater areas from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

diveteam_1Dive Team

First established in 1968, the Long Beach Lifeguard Search & Rescue Dive Team has become an industry leader. The Dive Team has three platoons, each comprised of a dive master and four divers. The Team is responsible for all underwater search and rescue, body recovery operations, evidence collection, salvage and all other related activities. Recognized as a leader in public safety diving, the Long Beach Fire Department/Lifeguard Dive Team has trained many other Lifeguard, Fire and Police dive teams.


Swiftwater Rescue Team rescue

The Long Beach Fire Department/Lifeguards have the country's first fully integrated Fire/Lifeguard Swiftwater Rescue Team. The team consists of 12 lifeguards and 8 firefighters and responds to all emergency calls that involve moving water or flooding. All team members are trained to Swiftwater Rescue levels 1 and 2. Additional specialized training includes Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, Animal Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Rope Systems and Inflatable Rescue Boat Handling.

 
 
There is a sand wheelchair at Lifeguard Headquarters, Marine Park Lifeguard Station, and Bayshore Sailing Center.