RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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At least 1,950 ocean rescues made this weekend as dangerous swells keep L.A. County lifeguards busy Monday, August 3, 2026 5:19AM A lot of people headed to the beach to cool off this weekend. L.A. County lifeguards made 1,950 rescues this weekend, according to the L.A. County Fire Department. LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A lot of people headed to Southern California beaches to cool off from the extreme heat this weekend, making it busy for lifeguards up and down the coast.
Los Angeles County lifeguards made at least 1,950 ocean rescues this weekend, rivaling last weekend, according to the L.A. County Fire Department.
A powerful hurricane created unusually warm water temperatures, high surf and dangerous rip currents this weekend.
Experts say only strong swimmers and surfers should get in the water with strong surf. Officials say you should always check in with lifeguards first about beach conditions and stay near a tower.
"So it's incredibly inviting. You can get in the water and stay in the water a really long time, and so, all those factors come into play, and that's where we see a lot of our rescue work happen," said Capt. Ocean Lifeguard Pono Barnes with L.A. County Fire. "Because we have people, and all those environmental factors, coming in to make that recipe where we have a lot of rescues happen."
L.A. lifeguards made nearly 2,000 rescues last weekend, the department said.
In L.A. County, about 200 lifeguards are on duty during summer months, with more than 600 on staff and ready to be called in depending on weather conditions and beach activity.
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