Newport Beach lifeguards pulled 516 people from the ocean in 10 days this June, and officials say the July 4 holiday weekend could be even busier.
Marine Safety Chief Brian O'Rourke, who oversees lifeguard operations along the city's eight miles of coastline, warned beachgoers to respect the water as July 4 draws large crowds to local beaches. This year marks the nation's 250th birthday, and the city is expecting especially heavy turnout.
"If you come to the beach, you should know your limitations and understand there are days you come to the beach and at times, it's better just to observe and enjoy it for a different reason than going in the water," O'Rourke told the Orange County Register.
Between Saturday, June 6, and Monday, June 15, Newport Beach lifeguards conducted 12,104 preventive actions and 516 rescues, according to Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda. By comparison, the week around July 4 last year saw more than 350 rescues total.
Separately, OC Lifeguards Chief Jason Young reported that county-run beach crews made 239 rescues and provided 260 medical aids between Memorial Day weekend and approximately June 27.
Holiday staffing and enforcement
City Manager Seimone Jurjis confirmed the Newport Beach Fire Department and Lifeguard Operations will be fully staffed with additional engines, ambulances, and resources positioned throughout the holiday weekend. About 200 sworn police officers will patrol the city from Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6, according to Police Chief Dave Miner.
Safety Enhancement Zones in Corona del Mar and West Newport take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 3, and run through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 6. Fines for any municipal code violation are tripled within those zones.
All fireworks are illegal in Newport Beach. The professional fireworks display at Newport Dunes begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, monitored by the fire department.
Rip currents and sneaker waves
Even on calm-looking days, rip currents remain the top threat. The National Weather Service also warns of "sneaker waves" that surge farther up the beach than expected, catching waders off guard. Lifeguards fly colored flags at towers: red means high hazard, yellow means moderate, and green means low hazard but still use caution.
Warmer water brings stingrays, sharks closer to shore
Southern California waters are running warmer than normal this summer due to a marine heat wave, according to Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe. The warmer conditions are drawing unusual species including mahi mahi and hammerhead sharks closer to shore, and stingray stings are up.
Beachgoers are most at risk of stings when waves are small and the tide is low, as stingrays settle in the shallows. If stung, head to a lifeguard headquarters for hot-water treatment. The California Fish and Wildlife Commission passed a 90-day emergency ban in spring 2026 on heavy fishing gear to catch sharks within 1,000 yards of shore and on piers.
Keeping kids safe
O'Rourke advises parents to note the nearest street or lifeguard tower number and write it on their child's hand with a pen. Instruct children to find a lifeguard if they get lost.
Fire rings and sand hazards
Fire rings at Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar remain popular gathering spots, though fires outside designated rings are illegal. Coals can stay hot in the sand for up to a day, burning the feet of anyone who steps in them. Beachgoers should also avoid digging deep sand holes, which can collapse.
Newport Beach recorded zero ocean fatalities in 2024, when total beach attendance reached 8.5 million, according to the city's fire department annual report.
