Greetings, and Happy New Year from the Long Beach Lifeguard Association. The fall and winter seasons saw unprecedented winter storms that tested all of our specialized lifeguard teams.

During January, there were 3 vehicles driven into local rivers and channels. On one of the call-outs, the LBLG Dive Team conducted an extensive search and recovery operation at the Hanes Power Plant for two days. The dive team initiated their new underwater sonar equipment on the recovery operation. The search resulted in the recovery of 2 victims that had driven into an inlet channel near San Gabriel River, off Westminster.

The Swiftwater Rescue Team was deployed around the clock for nearly two weeks, and on January 10th, Jeff Williams (with team members Brian Pottenger, Scott Mitchell, Alan Powder, Dirk Crawford, and George Gjersvold), successfully rescued a 30 yr. old male from the raging Los Angles River. This was undoubtedly the best swimming rescue ever performed in the L. A. River. Williams rescued the victim from the middle of the river when it was flowing 18 mph and 10 feet high. The current carried them nearly one mile down river.

Rescue Boats crews were also active this winter. Rescue Boat crews performed multiple off shore Search and Rescue Missions with the United States Coast Guard. One incident resulted in locating a 35 foot trawler half sunk with its decks awash 10 miles out, at 1:00 am. Rescue Boat 2 crew, Alan Miki and Scott Dixon, checked the interior of the boat for survivors, while Coast Guard 41 footer and a rescue helicopter checked the surrounding waters. It was determined the vessel was scuttled. Rescue Boat 2 Crew, Jason Hudson and Shawn Parker extinguished a fully involved boat fire aboard a 35 foot motor vessel in the Downtown Marina

The winter storms also brought high winds and large waves. This combination reeked havoc in the Marinas. Boats in the marinas were breaking dock lines and ripping cleats out of the dock. Sails were torn from their self furling system and many were taking on water. This kept the crews busy for multiple days.

The LBLGA membership was also busy at many community events and charitable functions over the last couple of months. In December, many of our members donated their time in support of the “Spark of Love” toy drive in conjunction with the Long Beach Fire Department. This program provides Christmas gifts to many of the neediest families in Long Beach. Our Members also pitched in to provide funding and volunteers for the “Trinity Foster Care” Christmas Party. The kids are always excited to see Santa Clause arrive in the Lifeguard Truck. We also had an incredible showing at Millers Children Hospital. As always, we have been active both locally and globally by participation in causes such as the Community Public Safety Fund and the Tsunami Relief Fund.

On behalf of the Long Beach Lifeguard Association I would like to thank all of you for you efforts, both on the job, and within our community. As always, thank you for you continued support of the Association.

Time to start working off your winter coat and get ready for the re cert swim. We look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Dirk Crawford
President,
Long Beach Lifeguard Association

For more information go to http://longbeachlifeguard.com/