Huntington Beach Lifeguards

Book excerpt: The Surf City USAAA(R) lifeguards and marine safety officers protect and serve one of the busiest and most famous beaches in the world. World-class surfing events, volleyball tournaments, and other activities transform Huntington Beach's waterfront into a sea of humanity regularly each summer. The lifeguards patrol three and a half miles of beautiful wide, sandy Orange County shores, which can draw more than 10 million annual visitors, necessitating as many as 3,000 rescues. The ultimate lifeguard sentinel and guardian is the iconic structure on the HB Municipal Pier called Tower Zero, known as "The Eye in the Sky," from which lifeguards can see for miles. These vintage photographs include shots of the pier, beach, junior lifeguard activities, competitions, and neighboring Huntington State Beach. Thousands of people and families owe gratitude to the lifeguards of Huntington Beach for nearly a century of vigilance, dedication, and service.