PRESS RELEASE

The below press release was revised at 2 p.m. on June 7, 2021, to provide details regarding the fire investigation.

Long Beach, CA - On Thursday, June 10, the City of Long Beach will celebrate the installation and dedication of a new Pride Lifeguard Tower located at Shoreline Way and 12th Place. The community is invited to participate in the dedication ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

“I’m very proud to see our lifeguard tower back as a symbol of inclusion and love,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I’m also excited for the community process to expand features and amenities around the tower to make an even more active space.”

Installed by the Long Beach Fire Department, the new tower replaces the original Pride Lifeguard Tower, which was destroyed in a fire in March 2021, the cause of which still remains under investigation. Following the incident, the City received overwhelming support from community members, businesses and organizations throughout the region and construction of the new tower was expedited.

The unveiling and dedication will include a ceremonious opening of the tower flaps to be performed by Mayor Garcia and Councilwoman Cindy Allen, as well as the hanging of the red Rescue Can, a standard operating procedure that signifies to the public that a lifeguard tower is in operation.

“This tower has a special place in my heart, and in all our hearts,” said Councilwoman Allen. “Rebuilding this tower signals to my daughter, and to our sisters, brothers, siblings and families that we promote inclusion, celebrate our diversity and ensure representation and safe spaces in our community.”

“Lifeguards are enthusiastic about having the Pride Tower back on the sand, in service and operational,” said Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Chief Gonzalo Medina. “The Pride Tower represents our unwavering commitment to our LGBTQ employees and to the diverse communities of Long Beach.”

A committee led by Councilwoman Cindy Allen will develop ideas for enhancing the pride tower with additional ways of showing LGBTQ+ pride. The new tower, like the one before it, will be painted by City lifeguards.

The investigation into the cause of the fire in March continues. Long Beach Fire Investigators continue to review various witness statements and track down other leads. This process is time intensive and requires due diligence to make sure the cause of the fire is carefully determined and that all laws are followed in the process. Investigation has determined that no electrical or heat related ignition sources were present on the tower. Based on witness statements and finding no ignition sources in the tower, this fire is classified as incendiary (Arson). The Fire Department continues to seek the public’s help in identifying any additional video, security footage or personal eyewitness accounts associated with this fire. Those with information are urged to call the “Fire Investigation Hotline” at (562) 570-2582.