Rendering rescues unnecessary

Despite the Fourth of July holiday, the heat wave and 240,000 beachgoers hitting the sands of Newport Beach last week local lifeguards managed hundreds of rescues and avoided any drownings.

This weekend lifeguards rescued 338 people from the surf, and last weekend 375 were saved.

“Anytime we have surf and the warm water it generates more people going in the water, and more getting rescued,” Lifeguard Battalion Chief Rob Williams said.

But Williams said what really makes lifeguards proud is what they do to make rescues unnecessary.

“Our focal point is to educate the public before they get in trouble,” Williams said. “The main part of our job is prevention and education.”

Guards do their jobs best when they get out of the towers and talk with beach-goers before they hit the waves, Williams said.

The lone significant injury during the past week happened when a 44-foot boat came ashore, sending one passenger to the hospital with cuts to his face. Lifeguards spotted the boat and positioned themselves alongside the vessel to warn its driver to change course, lifeguards said.

According to lifeguards, the boat’s operator seemed unresponsive just before the vessel struck a jetty near 44th Street. The passenger was sent to Western Medical Center-Santa Ana with a gash to his face and several missing teeth, lifeguards said.