Lifeguard Operations Division

Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards

Each year the Newport Beach Fire Department's ocean lifeguards protect an estimated 8-10 million beach visitors along Newport Beach’s 6.2 miles of ocean and 2.5 miles of bay beaches with preventative actions and medical assistance.

Every day of the year, lifeguards ensure safety and provide customer service to the visitors on the beach, boardwalk, piers, and in the ocean.

The Lifeguard Operations Division provides Newport Beach with the highest level of lifeguarding services and is recognized as an Advanced Agency by the United States Lifesaving Association.

Lifeguard Command Staff:

Brian O'Rourke, Chief Lifeguard

Mike Ure, Lifeguard Battalion Chief

Adam Yacenda, Lifeguard Battalion Chief

2024 Annual Service Report

Things To Know Before Visiting the Beach

Current Beach Conditions

Surf & Weather Report: 949-644-3171 - Listen to a recording of the current beach conditions. The Newport Beach Lifeguard Surf & Weather Report is updated daily at 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Live cameras and forecasts are viewable on Surfline.
Visit Safe Beach Day for additional beach conditions in Newport Beach.

Parking

Beach Rules and Regulations

No smoking on beaches, piers, or beachfront sidewalks
No glass on beaches, piers, or beachfront sidewalks
No alcoholic beverages on beaches, piers, or beachfront sidewalks
No digging holes in the sand deeper than waist-deep
No dogs between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Dogs must be on a leash and the owner must have a device for cleaning up and properly disposing of feces.
Please dispose of all trash in beach trash receptacles.

Special Usage Areas - Bodyboards, Surfboards, Skim boards

May 1 - October 31: The area between Tower 40 and Tower 44 is a designated Blackball area. No surfing or skimming during these months.
May 1 - October 31: Flotation devices are prohibited at The Wedge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Body surfing only. No bodyboards, surfboards, or skim boards.

Lifeguard Safety Tips

Have a fun, safe day at the beach by following these safety tips:

Rip Current & Ocean Safety Information
Learn to swim.
Never swim alone.
Swim near a lifeguard.
Do not fight the current.
Never swim while intoxicated.
Leash your surfboard or bodyboard.
Do not float where you cannot swim.
Always wear lifejackets when boating.
Always wear sunscreen when outdoors.Be careful around the BBQ or fire pits.
Protect your neck from spinal injuries:
- STOP, Watch, and Walk into the water.
- DON'T dive headfirst into any unknown water.
- DON'T dive toward the bottom into oncoming waves.
- DON'T stand with your back to the waves.
- DON'T jump or dive from a cliff, pier, jetty or bridge.
- Avoid bodysurfing, bodyboarding or surfing straight "over the falls." Ride the shoulder.
- In a "wipeout," land as flat as possible with your hands out in front of you.
- While bodysurfing, keep an arm out in front of you to protect your head and neck.
- When in doubt, DON'T DIVE, play it safe!

Beach Wheelchair Checkout

Lifeguards have three beach wheelchairs available for checkout by the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free of charge.
Available in two-hour increments.
Reservations are not accepted.
Driver's License and cell phone number is required for use.

Wheelchair Locations & Pick-Up:

Newport Beach Pier

Two available year-round:
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. off season
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day
Pick-up at Benjamin M. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters: 70 Newport Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Permissible usage area: Between Towers 15 and 28

Corona del Mar State Beach

One available - summer season only (First weekend of June through Labor Day)
Pick-up at CDM Lifeguard Headquarters: 3029 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

General Information

*In the event of an emergency call 911*

Benjamin M. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters (Newport Pier):

Address: 70 Newport Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663
General Questions: 949-644-3047
Hours: Open 365 days a year. Hours vary.

Corona del Mar Lifeguard Headquarters (Corona del Mar State Beach):

Address: 3029 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Phone: 949-644-3047
Hours: Open daily beginning the first Saturday of June through Labor Day.

Junior Lifeguard Headquarters (Balboa Pier):

Address: 901 East Ocean Front, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Phone: 949-644-3170
Hours: Hours vary when the Junior Lifeguard Program is not in session.
Open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the Junior Lifeguard Program.

Links

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