AROUND TOWN:Newport lifeguards to hold blood drive contest

The annual Newport Beach Lifeguards’ blood drive is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the lifeguard headquarters at the base of the Newport Pier. The event is run as part of the California Lifeguards’ blood drive contest with the Red Cross.

Each of the Southern California lifeguard agencies compete and over the last four years Newport Beach Lifeguards have taken the top spot.

Blood supplies are needed daily for patients going into surgery, being treated for cancer, those with blood diseases, severe burns, or traumatic injuries.

All donors will need to present a photo ID to donate, authorities said.

Signups are available by calling the Newport Beach Fire Department at (949) 644-3175 or visiting www.givelife.org.

— Kelly Strodl