UC San Diego will put up funding for lifeguards at Black’s Beach

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The city of San Diego will resume lifeguard services at Black's Beach a week from Monday, pending approval by the City Council.

UC San Diego will put up the funding for city lifeguard staff at the cliffside beach, where the city reduced hours last summer — and eliminated them the rest of the year — because of budget reductions.

The university has many students who use the beach, and it owns property nearby, according to Gary Matthews, UCSD's vice chancellor for resource management and planning.

“We strongly believe that this investment in safety is the right thing to do to ensure that vital lifeguard services are provided to students, faculty, staff and area residents and visitors enjoying one of the top surfing beaches in the world,” Matthews said.

Until mid-June, two lifeguards will be posted at the beach daily. The number will be increased to six daily during the school's spring break and during the summer.

“Stationing lifeguards at Black's Beach will result in a faster response that could very well make the difference between life and death,” lifeguard Chief Rick Wurts said.

Wurts and Councilwoman Sherri Lightner had worked on the arrangements with school officials since last year, according to Lightner's office. The City Council will take up the proposed funding agreement on Tuesday.