Lifeguard Services

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Winter & Early Spring Hours
Beach and Ocean Safety Tips for You and Your Family
Bluff Failures
Junior Lifeguards

Late Spring & Early Summer Hours
Rip Currents
Public Education

Encinitas lifeguards are responsible for providing beach safety services 24 hours a day along nearly four miles of coastline. In addition, lifeguards frequently respond to calls for wild life rescues, boating accidents, cliff rescues and accidents occurring in our local lagoons and rivers. The purpose of having lifeguards monitor our beaches and waterways is to ensure that visitors are supervised by individuals who are properly trained and equipped to perform lifesaving, rescue functions. If you are planning a trip to the beach and are concerned about ocean conditions, it is recommended that you call the Encinitas Lifeguards at 633-2750 for advice on which beaches to visit and a report of current ocean conditions.

WINTER & EARLY SPRING HOURS [back to top]

Lifeguards are on duty daily at the Moonlight Beach Lifeguard Headquarters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 2. Swami’s lifeguard tower is also staffed during the spring when conditions warrant, such as during periods of high surf. In addition, lifeguards routinely patrol the Encinitas coastline year-round.

LATE SPRING & EARLY SUMMER HOURS [back to top]

Beginning April 3, Moonlight Beach Lifeguard Headquarters will be staffed daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June 16 through Labor Day, the outer beaches (those located at the base of public access stairs) will be guarded daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the Moonlight Beach Lifeguard Headquarters staffed from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you have questions about beach safety, lifeguard hours, or current beach conditions please call 633-2750. Visitors may also pick up a free tide book at the Moonlight Beach Lifeguard Headquarters.

Have a fun yet safe time on the beach and in the water!

BEACH AND OCEAN SAFETY TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY [back to top]

Encinitas has some of the area’s most popular beaches, attracting millions of visitors every year. Although most visitors can expect to enjoy a pleasant stay at the beach, potential for accidents do occur. If you will be visiting the beach please keep the following safety tips in mind:

Swim near a lifeguard. Never swim alone.
Supervise children closely even when lifeguards are present
Don’t rely on floatation devices such as rafts, when swimming
If caught in a rip current, DO NOT PANIC. Swim parallel to the shore until out of the current’s pull.
Alcohol and swimming don’t mix.
Stay clear of lobster traps. If you find a trap in shallow waters, report it to a lifeguard.
If you are in trouble, call or wave for help.
Always follow regulations and lifeguard directions. Obey warning signs in dangerous areas.
No glass containers on the beach. Broken glass and bare feet don’t mix.
Build fires only in fire rings. Fire residue and superheated sand can severely burn bare feet. When cooking, use a barbecue that is elevated off the sand.
Avoid stingrays by shuffling your feet along the bottom. If you receive a sting from a stingray or jellyfish seek treatment from a lifeguard
Have courtesy and respect for others
Report suspicious criminal activity to a Sheriff deputy or lifeguard

RIP CURRENTS [back to top]

A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Rip currents are one of the most threatening natural hazards along our coast, often pulling victims away from the shallow waters near the shoreline out into the deep sea. The United States Lifesaving Association has found that 80% of the rescues made by ocean lifeguards involve saving those caught in rip currents.

Lifeguards advise that those visiting the beach avoid swimming where rip currents are present. If you become caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then return to shore. If you are unable to return to shore, tread water and wave for lifeguard assistance.

Remember, always be aware of ocean conditions. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards and are available to assist swimmers in identifying locations where rip currents are present. Be sure to ask a lifeguard about ocean conditions before entering the water.

BLUFF FAILURES [back to top]

Sandstone bluffs and cliffs situated along the Encinitas coastline are some of the unique features that distinguish our beaches from others in the county. Because of frequent bluff failures, a great deal of concern has been given to ensuring the safety of those who visit our beaches. Please be aware that in most areas hiking near or directly on top of the bluffs is prohibited. It is also important for visitors to avoid standing or sitting directly underneath unstable bluffs, since they may collapse.

The City has placed warning signs at several locations that are unsafe and should be avoided. If you see a bluff failure occur, please report the incident to a lifeguard or call the Encinitas Fire Department at 633-2800.

For more beach safety tips, click here to view the Encinitas Beach Safety Guide in PDF format.

PUBLIC EDUCATION [back to top]

To arrange for a public education visit to your school or group, please contact the Encinitas Lifeguard Administration at 633-2749.

JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS [back to top]

The Encinitas Junior Lifeguard Program is designed to increase awareness of the ocean and its surroundings by teaching children ocean rescue techniques, beach first aid, use of rescue boards and lifeguard equipment, and by offering a variety of fun, educational opportunities, such as field trips and competitions with other agencies. For more information visit the Program’s web site at http://www.encinitasjuniorlifeguards.com/ or call 633-2752.