Country United States City Newport Beach Annual calls 10,284 (2014) | State California Established 1911 Employees 119 (2014) | |
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The Newport Beach Fire Department is the agency that provides fire protection, lifeguard coverage, and emergency medical services for Newport Beach, California.
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Marine Operations
The Marine Division of the NBFD is responsible for lifeguarding the nearly 10 million annual visitors to Newport Beach’s 6.2 miles (10.0 km) of ocean and 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of bay beaches. In 2013 alone the marine division performed 3,811 water rescues. Newport Beach Lifeguards are recognized as the top agency in the nation, considering their relatively small size. They are also recognized as an advanced agency by the United States lifesaving Association.
Newport Beach Lifeguards also hold an annual summer Junior Lifeguard program, which is one of the largest and oldest in the nation. The Junior Lifeguard program works closely with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation to spread skin cancer awareness.
Included in their area is The Wedge, a spot located at the extreme east end of the Balboa Peninsula that is known for its large wedge shaped waves that makes it a popular spot for skimboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing. During a south or south/southwest swell of the right size and aligned in the swell window, the Wedge can produce huge waves up to 30 feet (9.1 m) high.Newport Beach has one of the most diverse coastlines in the world, spending over 6 miles. And because of this the NBFD Marine Operations Division requires Lifeguards to be in top shape, and have years of local ocean experience to be able to work as an Ocean Lifeguard.
Stations & Apparatus
The Newport beach has 8 fire stations spread across the city, as well as Lifeguard Headquarters at the base of the Newport Pier.