Santa Barbara County announced that the seasonal lifeguard program officially ended on Labor Day, leaving several stretches of the county’s coastline without on‑duty lifeguards as temperatures climb into the high 80s and 90s. The decision follows the traditional schedule set by the county’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Space, which concludes its summer beach‑safety operations after the holiday.
Safety reminders from county officials
John Miller, the county’s aquatics supervisor, issued a reminder to beachgoers to take extra precautions before entering the water, especially now that professional lifeguard coverage is no longer available. “We want families to enjoy the beautiful shoreline responsibly,” Miller said. “That means staying hydrated, limiting prolonged sun exposure, and paying close attention to ocean conditions such as rip currents and surf height.”
He emphasized that children should be kept within close reach at all times and that swimming alone is strongly discouraged. “Parents and guardians are the first line of defense for their kids,” Miller added. “When lifeguards aren’t present, the responsibility falls squarely on families to watch over their loved ones.”
Heat drives more visitors to the coast
Recent weather forecasts predict a continued heat wave through the first week of September, with daytime highs expected to reach the low 90s Fahrenheit. Historically, such heat spikes prompt a surge in beach attendance as residents seek relief from the sweltering inland temperatures.
Local businesses along the waterfront, including surf shops and cafés, have reported a noticeable uptick in patronage since the weekend. While the increased foot traffic boosts the local economy, it also raises the risk of water‑related incidents when professional supervision is absent.
What swimmers can do to stay safe
- Hydrate frequently: Drink water before, during, and after swimming to avoid dehydration.
- Use sunscreen: Apply broad‑spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.
- Check conditions: Look for posted signs about rip currents, high surf, or water quality advisories.
- Never swim alone: Always have a companion and keep an eye on each other.
- Keep children within arm’s reach: Even strong swimmers can be caught off‑guard by sudden changes in currents.
County officials also recommend that anyone planning to swim should let a friend or family member know where they will be and for how long, especially when lifeguards are not on duty. In the event of an emergency, the nearest lifeguard station’s contact number is posted on most beach access points.
Looking ahead
The county will resume its lifeguard program in the spring, aligning with the typical seasonal schedule. In the meantime, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Space will continue to monitor beach conditions and issue alerts as needed.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the county’s official website and local news outlets for any updates on beach safety or weather advisories. By taking personal responsibility and following these guidelines, Santa Barbara’s families can enjoy a safe and refreshing beach experience despite the heat and the temporary absence of lifeguard services.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
