Powerful waves challenge lifeguards

Swells reaching 10 feet at times kept Laguna Beach lifeguards busy last weekend.

Lifeguards logged 180 rescues Saturday and Sunday and educated 2,800 beachgoers on riptides, Marine Safety Capt. Tom Trager said.

Wave heights averaged 8 to 10 feet, Trager said.

“Sets were powerful,” he said. “We told people if you’re not an experienced ocean swimmer, today might not be your day”

Laguna is still on off-season staffing levels. Seven lifeguards manned three towers compared with 30 guards during the summer.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce