About 

The City of Carlsbad Lifeguard Service is a fully funded public safety program within the Carlsbad Fire Department, providing year-round daytime staffing and after-hours emergency response. The program is led by the Special Operations Division Chief and supported by two full-time Paramedic Lifeguard Lieutenants who oversee daily operations. Lifeguards staff four seasonal towers along Carlsbad’s coastline and operate a joint police and fire rescue boat on Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Carlsbad Lifeguards also provide advanced life support (ALS) care on the beach, ensuring immediate, high-level medical response for water and shoreline emergencies.

Beach safety guidance

• Never swim alone.
• Always swim near a lifeguard.
• Know your limits and swim within your abilities. When in doubt, don’t go out!
• Keep constant watch of children under your supervision.
• Take a moment to review the daily condition signs posted at lifeguard towers and talk with a lifeguard before heading into the water. A quick check-in can make all the difference.

Ocean conditions change daily. Your Carlsbad Lifeguards are here to help. Stop by a lifeguard tower, ask questions and check current conditions before entering the water. Your safety is our priority.

Lifeguard tower locations

• Tower 1 – Army Navy Academy
• Tower 2 – Beech St.
• Tower 3 – Grand Ave.
• Tower 4 –Oak St.

Please note that tower locations may be adjusted due to weather and environmental conditions.

Hours of operation

The towers are staffed May through September from 10 a.m. to sunset. The number of lifeguards on duty varies with the seasons and weather conditions.

Beach rules

To help keep Carlsbad's beaches safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone:

• No glass containers on the beach.
• No wood- or charcoal-burning campfires or BBQs.
• No dogs allowed on the beach.

Beach safety topics

Current conditions