Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division

Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division Welcome to the OFFICIAL page of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division.

The Los Angeles County Lifeguard Service employs 132 year-round lifeguards (Chiefs, Captains and Ocean Lifeguard Specialists) and over 650 seasonal lifeguards (Recurrents). Responsible for providing ocean lifesaving protection for over 72 miles of Southern California coastline, the Los Angeles County Lifeguards perform over 16,000 ocean rescues a year. The service is also entrusted with protecting

and serving an estimated fifty-five million beachgoers a year. In addition, County lifeguards provide around the clock paramedic services to the residents of Catalina Island.

Earlier this summer, we had the privilege of paying tribute to one of our heroes, retired Rescue Boat Captain Sheldon “S...
08/21/2026

Earlier this summer, we had the privilege of paying tribute to one of our heroes, retired Rescue Boat Captain Sheldon “Shelly” Butler.

RBC Butler retired in 2013 after an extraordinary 45 years of service. Those who were fortunate enough to know and work alongside Shelly understand the tremendous mark he left on this Division and the generations of lifeguards who followed in his footsteps.

A proud US Navy veteran, Shelly dedicated much of his life to service—both to his country and to the communities of Los Angeles County. His legacy of commitment, leadership, and service will remain a lasting part of LACoFD Lifeguard Division.

Shelly is survived by his son, Kevin Butler, a Fire Dispatcher with Command and Control, Special Services Bureau.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kevin, the Butler family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing Shelly. His 45 years of service helped shape this Division, and his legacy will not be forgotten.

Some of the most important work we do actually happens before an emergency ever takes place.Every day, LACoFD Lifeguard ...
08/20/2026

Some of the most important work we do actually happens before an emergency ever takes place.

Every day, LACoFD Lifeguard Division spend countless moments educating beachgoers about rip currents, changing surf conditions, inshore holes, and other hazards that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. These quick conversations give visitors a better understanding of what we’re seeing and allow us to intervene before a potentially dangerous situation develops.

We call these preventative actions, and over the course of a busy summer, they number in the hundreds of thousands.

While rescues often receive the most attention, preventing the rescue from ever having to happen is just as important. So, when you arrive at the beach, take a moment to check in with a lifeguard. That brief conversation could make all the difference.

08/18/2026

Extended Weather Forecast: It is looking as though we may have some pretty interesting ocean conditions on the horizon as we head toward the end of the month, with continued tropical storm activity developing across the Eastern Pacific.

While it is still too early to know exactly how these systems will develop or where they will ultimately track, the continued activity could be an early indicator of another active stretch of late-summer surf along the Southern California coastline.

Looking even farther ahead, El Niño continues to strengthen across the Pacific, with current forecasts suggesting the potential for a very strong event as we head into fall and winter. While that doesn’t guarantee any particular weather or ocean conditions here in Southern California, it certainly gives us plenty to keep an eye on in the months ahead.

Stay tuned here for updates.

Rescue Footage: Pete Halvorsen

Today we honor one of our own, whose legacy, spirit, and impact continue to be felt throughout our Division. Long Live...
08/14/2026

Today we honor one of our own, whose legacy, spirit, and impact continue to be felt throughout our Division. Long Live Derek Traeger .

📷: wadleywadley

Earlier this summer, an adult male suffered a sudden cardiac emergency near the volleyball courts at Marine Avenue in Ma...
08/12/2026

Earlier this summer, an adult male suffered a sudden cardiac emergency near the volleyball courts at Marine Avenue in Manhattan Beach. A friend immediately ran to the nearby lifeguard tower for help, setting in motion a response in which every second mattered.

Captain Simon, OLS Lazar, OL Oberto, OLS Pratt, OLS Pogue, OL Douglas, and OL Macvey quickly arrived on scene, assessed the patient, requested additional resources, and immediately began CPR. After identifying a shockable heart rhythm, lifeguards administered multiple shocks with an AED while continuing lifesaving measures.

Manhattan Beach Fire personnel arrived shortly thereafter and continued advanced care before the patient was transported to the hospital. It was later determined that he had suffered a severe blockage of the left anterior descending artery—commonly associated with what is known as a “widow-maker” heart attack.

In emergencies like this, seconds matter. The quick actions of the patient’s friend, combined with the training, teamwork, and immediate response of and our partners at Manhattan Beach Fire Department, gave this patient the best possible chance at survival.

Today, we’re incredibly grateful to share that the patient survived and returned to the beach to meet and thank the lifeguard personnel who helped save his life.

It is a powerful reminder that while much of our work takes place in the ocean, are also trained to respond to a wide array of emergencies throughout the beach environment. Behind every successful outcome are countless hours of training, teamwork, and deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve.

Today, LACoFD Lifeguard Division had the privilege of being recognized by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P Horvat...
08/10/2026

Today, LACoFD Lifeguard Division had the privilege of being recognized by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P Horvath for the tremendous commitment, courage, and teamwork demonstrated by our personnel during an exceptionally busy stretch from July 24–28.

During that time, LACoFD Lifeguard Division performed nearly 2,000 ocean rescues along the Los Angeles County coastline, demonstrating the skill, professionalism, and dedication required when our beaches and ocean conditions are at their busiest.

Thank you, Supervisor Horvath, for recognizing the dedication of our personnel, and thank you to all LACoFD Lifeguard Division who continue to show up each day ready to serve their community.
📷: Doug Morrison, LACoFD Photographer

As inland temperatures climbed last weekend and more than one million people visited Los Angeles County beaches, LACoFD ...
08/04/2026

As inland temperatures climbed last weekend and more than one million people visited Los Angeles County beaches, LACoFD Lifeguard Division responded to more than 700 ocean rescues, nearly 43,000 preventative actions, almost 400 medical aids, and 470 emergency vehicle responses.

Thank you to every member of LACoFD Lifeguard Division for your continued commitment to your community and public safety.

With warm weather expected to continue throughout the week, we encourage you to join us at the beach, just make sure to take a moment to check in with a , understand the day’s conditions, know your limits, and always swim or surf in front of an open lifeguard tower.

07/31/2026

We recently had the great privilege of honoring members of our Division who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism with the LACoFD Lifeguard Division Medal of Valor.

This year, among others, we recognized Ocean Lifeguard Specialists Hogan Inscore and Sam O’Hare for their extraordinary actions while off duty during a private residence balcony collapse. Amid the chaos, they quickly assessed the scene, located multiple victims trapped beneath the debris, and identified four critically injured patients in need of immediate medical care and extrication.

Working alongside responding emergency personnel, all four patients were successfully extricated, treated, and transported to a local hospital, where each ultimately made a full recovery.

Their calm under pressure, decisive actions, and unwavering commitment to serving others exemplify the very best of our profession. Congratulations to Hogan and Sam on this well-deserved recognition.

07/31/2026

We recently had the great privilege of honoring members of our Division who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism with the Medal of Valor.

This year, among others, we recognized Section Chief Olivier O’Connell for his actions while off duty. As the first person on scene at a single-family residential structure fire, he acted without hesitation, helping rescue two victims from the burning home before additional emergency personnel arrived.

Acts like these are a powerful reminder that the commitment to protecting lives extends beyond the shoreline. Congratulations to Section Chief O’Connell on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your extraordinary service to our community.

07/31/2026

We recently had the great privilege of honoring members of our Division who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism with the LACoFD Lifeguard Division Medal of Valor.

This year, among others, we recognized Section Chief Olivier O’Connell for his actions while off duty. As the first person on scene at a single-family residential structure fire, he acted without hesitation, helping rescue two victims from the burning home before additional emergency personnel arrived.

Acts like these are a powerful reminder that the commitment to protecting lives extends beyond the shoreline. Congratulations to Section Chief O’Connell on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your extraordinary service to our community.

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2600 The Strand
Los Angeles, CA
90266

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+13109397200

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