Santa Barbara Lifeguards helping enforce physical distancing

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — With large crowds gathered throughout beaches, Santa Barbara City Lifeguards are helping to enforce physical distancing.

"We are going around and talking to any of the big groups that we see,” City Aquatic Supervisor Tony Sholl said. “Just reminding them about being socially distant and discouraging any big gatherings.”

Some locals appreciate the extra precaution being taken.

"I think it's a great idea, I'm glad they're out there,” Carpinteria native Theresa Smith said. “If they're there and they see a large crowd, they can kind of keep the crowds down."

The lifeguards weren't scheduled to work until Memorial Day. However, city officials elected to have them start early as a result of anticipated beach crowds.

"Right now with a lot of people not working, we are seeing a lot of crowds at the beach,” Sholl said. “We had all of our guards come in early."

With beaches closed in certain parts of California, some outsiders have come to visit.

"We've definitely noticed a good influx of people from outside of Santa Barbara,” Sholl said.

Vladimir Pol and his family traveled to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles to enjoy the beach for a day. 

"The beaches are open,” Pol said. “We would like to stay here for a day and come back home."

Nevertheless, some have mixed feelings about these visitors.

“I understand why they'd want to do it but I live in Carpinteria and there's nowhere to park,” Smith said. “It makes it difficult when I want to come to the beach.”

As people enjoy their time in the sun, city lifeguards remain focused on keeping the beaches open in a safe way.

"There's nothing better than sticking your toes in the sand and jumping in the water,” Sholl concluded.  “If people can come and be safe and socially distance, then I'd see us continuing this practice."

The Santa Barbara City Lifeguards are fully staffed with six towers spanning from Leadbetter Beach to East Beach.