You, Too, Can Save a Life at the Beach This Summer

Have you ever seen a swimmer drifting toward the pilings of the San Clemente Pier? He was probably caught in a lateral current and didn't even realize.

If you shouted out let him know, you may have saved a life. 

That's part of the message San Clemente's Marine Safety Division conveyed Wednesday night as they kicked off the Neighborhood Beach Watch, a system of educating locals on what to look for at the beach to help lifeguards do their jobs.

"For the last five years, we've rescued 3,800 per year," said Marine Safety Chief Bill Humphreys. "That's a lot of swimmers getting in trouble in our community. That's an incredible record, but we can't keep up with what the ocean is trying to do. Lifeguards can't do it all. If you help somebody else out, help save a life once in your life, that will stay with you for the rest of your life."

He said that even experienced swimmers and surfers need extra training to recognize when a fellow swimmer is in trouble.

"You surfers,"  Humphreys said, addressing the crowd at the San Clemente Community Center, "You know how to paddle out in between the sets. You know what to do when your buddy's screaming, but it's a different perspective when it's a kid off to the side."

Humphreys said going in after a distressed swimmer should be a last resort; it's best to call the lifeguards or 911, making sure to be able to describe your location, describe the victim and stay at the scene until help arrives.

If no lifeguards are around or its an emergency where seconds count, don't go in without a flotation device, and don't try to physically grab the victim unless he or she is unconscious.

Marine Safety Officer Blake Anderson, citing dozens of news reports of would-be water rescuers succumbing to the depths, stressed  that the rescuer drowning accomplishes nothing.

"Just make sure that you're always putting your own life first," he said.

Look for more information about beach safety soon on San Clemente Patch, leading into the summer season.

If you're interested in learning more and want to be a part of the San Clemente Neighborhood Beach Watch, visit the Marine Safety Division's section of the city's website.