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Seal Beach marine safety chief highlights two December 22 rescues, urges pay increase for part‑time lifeguards
Summary
Marine Safety Chief Bailey described two challenging rescues on Dec. 22 that involved large winter surf and credited part‑time lifeguards for long, physically taxing operations. The chief also reported both rescue watercrafts were out of service and said part‑time lifeguards start at $19.04 an hour and “need a raise.”
Marine Safety Chief Bailey told the council about two difficult rescues on Dec. 22 that tested the department’s response in winter surf and praised the lifeguards involved.
Bailey described a rescue on the south side of the pier in 8–15 foot surf in which lifeguards Dean Frizzell and Ellie Sherlock swam a bodyboarder offshore rather than toward shore because of a massive shore‑break. The chief said the pair were pulled along under the pier for roughly a quarter mile and were hit by “a 10 set, 10 wave set,” and the entire operation lasted about 30 minutes before the victim reached shore.
Bailey described a second incident at 14th Street, where a man who had been drinking a packaged alcoholic drink (“buzz ball”) entered the surf and was taken over his head. Two lifeguards — Beau Wade and Brett Peebles — and a part‑time lifeguard, Chris Dominguez, responded; an RWC (rescue watercraft) operated at reduced power and picked up the group beyond the end of the pier and transferred them to a calmer landing near Second Street.
Bailey emphasized operational constraints: both jet skis were out of service that day and the rescue boat could not operate safely inside the breaking surf. “Our 2 RWCs or jet skis were down this day, so we weren't able to use the jet ski,” he said. He also noted the lifeguards who made these rescues are part‑time employees and said their starting wage is $19.04 an hour. “They need a raise,” Bailey said.
Why it matters: The presentation highlighted surf conditions unique to Seal Beach, where winter north swells can create large “A‑frame” waves and strong shore‑breaks. Bailey said Seal Beach’s geography draws winter surfers and can turn otherwise mild summer conditions into technically difficult winter rescues.
Quotable: Bailey told the council, “...the 20 minutes in the cold water taking the victim through the pier, big set landing on their head, and eventually bringing the victim to shore was just a fantastic rescue.”
Ending: Bailey closed by thanking staff and reminding the council that operational readiness depends on equipment availability and staffing levels; he recommended replacing the two jet skis and called for reconsideration of pay for part‑time lifeguards.
