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Huntington Beach lifeguards credited for drowning‑free summer; Water Watcher tag promoted
Summary
County supervisors recognized the Huntington Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division for a summer with zero child drownings and heard details on the 'Water Watcher' tag and a federal grant supporting drowning‑prevention work.
The board acknowledged Huntington Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division after county and city officials reported the city achieved a drowning‑free summer for the first time in more than 20 years.
Vice Chair Katrina Foley praised the division’s training, community outreach and junior lifeguard program and said Huntington Beach received a federal grant to support drowning prevention. Chief Eric McCoy credited a grant and a new public program and introduced Marine Safety Captain Leslie (transcribed variably) to explain the Water Watcher tag.
Captain Leslie described the Water Watcher tag as a simple physical reminder for adults supervising pools: "The Water Watcher tag on the front says designated Water Watcher... For 15 minutes, you're the parent, you're watching the pool..." She said the tag prompts a 15‑minute rotating visual watch to reduce pool‑side distractions and helps address drownings that occur away from beaches, in private pools or apartment complexes.
Staff and board members said the program relied on partnerships with schools and community organizations. The recognition was ceremonial; no policy vote was tied to the acknowledgement.
The board moved on to the regular agenda after the presentation.
