Budget cuts mean fewer lifeguards

Deepa Bharath

State budget cuts will not affect operations at Crystal Cove State

Beach this summer, officials said.

“Public safety is our top priority,” park Supt. Ken Kramer said.

“And we’re doing everything we can to make sure we’re ready for the

summer.”

This summer, however, the number of seasonal lifeguards stationed

at various State Parks beaches will be less than full strength.

In 2001, 628 lifeguards were hired statewide. That number dropped

by 72 to 556 last year. This year, no more cuts are expected, but

beaches will still be short-staffed.

Kramer said all towers in Crystal Cove are expected to be staffed

in the summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We’re not going to be able to hire too many seasonal lifeguards,”

he said. “But we’re going to make sure every dollar we spend will

enhance public safety.”

The key to having a safe time at the beach is to make sure you are

close to a lifeguard tower, Kramer said.

“In Crystal Cove, the towers are 800 yards apart,” he said. “So

it’s important if you’re swimming or body boarding or surfing, make

sure you’re within the lifeguard’s view.”

About 85-million visitors came to California’s 273 state parks

last year, according to the California Department of Parks and

Recreation. That is a 48% increase in visitors over the past five

years. State park lifeguards also performed 6,969 rescues in 2002.

There were 22 drownings statewide, but statistics show that none of

those occurred in guarded areas.

That is where public education comes in, Kramer says.

“If you stay within a guarded area, we can make sure we help you

if you’re in trouble,” he said.