As the summer season approaches, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches along Spinnaker Drive.
In a unanimous vote on May 5, 2022, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized Brian Pendleton, General Manager of Ventura Harbor, to contract with State Parks to provide the lifeguard service from May through September 2022 at Harbor Cove, South Beach, and Surfers Knoll beaches. The approved 2022 lifeguard contract of $140,131.07 will provide adequate coverage to each of the three Ventura Harbor beach areas over a five-month period.
“The Port District has taken great pride in supporting enhanced beach safety by way of seasonal lifeguards on the Harbors beaches,” said Pendleton.
For over 60 years, State Parks has provided professional lifeguarding services along California’s coastline. The Ventura Port District took the lead in securing summer lifeguards at the Harbor 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.
“The designated safe family-friendly beach is Harbor Cove which is within the Harbor and sheltered from the offshore waves. South of Harbor Cove is approximately 1 mile of coastal beach, that while protected by lifeguards, is for the more experienced swimmers and surfers due to rip-currents,” stated Ventura Port District Harbormaster John Higgins.
In cooperation, the Harbor Patrol and the State Parks Lifeguards have over the years, performed many rescues and prevented numerous serious incidents. The beach had historically high visitors and challenging conditions, but because of the Ventura Port District’s investment, most rescues were routine in nature. In fact, the Lifeguard service continues to provide better preventative care through education and has reduced the number of circumstances where first responders are also at risk. The Harbor Patrol and State Lifeguards have grown a strong and effective partnership in providing public safety on land and water areas throughout the Ventura coastline. Both agencies participate in cross training and assist each other throughout the year on routine and emergency calls.
Ventura Harbor and its beaches have become among the most popular summer destinations in the city. Parking and restrooms are available at both beach parking lots, EV charging stations at Harbor Cove Beach sponsored by SemaConnect, and street parking is available on Spinnaker Drive. Beach wheelchairs are equipped with large, wide wheels which can roll across the sand without sinking and are available on a first-come, first-served basis by calling ahead for availability at 805-642-8618
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,” added Higgins. “Our harbor, beaches, merchants, restaurants, national park headquarters, sport fishing boats, dive boats and Island Packers give the visitor tremendous value and entertainment in one intimate location.”
For questions on lifeguard times, call the State Lifeguards Dispatch at 805-648-3321 and for Ventura Harbor beach details visit VenuraHarborVillage.com.