As beach use starts to peak in June, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches at Surfers Knoll and Harbor Cove Beach off Spinnaker Drive.
In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, May 20, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized the General Manager to contract with State Parks to provide the service from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 2020 at Harbor Cove and Surfers Knoll beaches. The $92,330.33 cost represents a 4 percent increase over last year as a result of salary increases to the Lifeguard staff. For over 60 years, State Parks has provided professional lifeguarding services along California’s coastline. The State Park Lifeguard service is certified by the United States Lifesaving Association and is recognized as one of the highest-ranking training academies in the world.
The Ventura Port District took the lead in securing summer lifeguards at the Harbor after the city of Ventura stopped its services in 2011. The state lifeguards and the Ventura Harbor Patrol have formed a strong and effective partnership in providing public safety on land and in the waters along Ventura’s coast.
Ventura Harbor and its beaches have become among the most popular summer destinations in the city. Currently, with the pandemic, the Ventura Port District is adhering to the City of Ventura ordinances as it pertains to use of the beaches and opening of beach parking lots and ask that patrons check the Covid-19 updates on the Venturaharbor.com web site.
In addition to the beaches’ safety and convenience, annual Harbor dredging results in some of the best sand on the local coast. Also, the location affords a variety of healthy outdoor summer activities and close access to the Harbor Village and its many amenities.
“Ventura Harbor is one of the few locations in Ventura County that provides a complete user experience,” said Ventura Port District Harbormaster John Higgins. “Our harbor, beaches, merchants, restaurants, national park headquarters, sport fishing boats, dive boats, and Island Packers give the visitor tremendous value in one destination.”
For questions on lifeguard times, call the State Lifeguards Dispatch at 805-648-3321.