Fox Entertainment And U.S. Lifesaving Association Bring “Lifeguards First” Campaign To Santa Monica

FOX Entertainment, in connection w/ the debut of its new series Rescue: HI-Surf, partnered w/ the USLA for the “Lifeguards First” campaign.Photo bySean T. Smith

FOX Entertainment, in connection with the debut of its new drama series Rescue: HI-Surf, partnered with the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) to support the “Lifeguards First” campaign with a beachside rally in Santa Monica on 8/31.

Despite being the first line of defense in life-threatening ocean rescues, most open-water lifeguards in the U.S. are not considered First Responders and are not entitled to the benefits available to police officers, firefighters, and EMTs. The beachside rally spread awareness and garnered more support for Concurrent Resolution 41, which officially recognizes open-water lifeguards as First Responders.

Despite being the 1st line of defense in life-threatening ocean rescues, most open-water lifeguards are not considered First RespondersPhoto byhoopLAblog

Beachgoers enjoyed refreshing Kona shaved ices, posed for immersive photo opps, and heard from Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Lifeguard and USLA representative Jared Kingsbury about what the resolution means for open-water lifeguards. Guests also submitted 661 pre-populated letters to their representative on the campaign website urging them to support and co-sign Concurrent Resolution 41.

Beachgoers enjoy refreshing Kona shaved ices while they hear from Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Lifeguard & USLA rep Jared Kingsbury.Photo bySean T. Smith

LA County lifeguards conduct an approximate average of 10,000 rescues each year. With the LA beaches being such a draw for locals and tourists, it’s so important for Angelenos to get involved in this campaign. For more information, click here.

LA County lifeguards conduct an approximate average of 10,000 rescues each year.Photo bySean T. Smith

Rescue: HI-Surf is a gripping tale of courage and sacrifice, which explores the lives of North Shore lifeguards who protect beachgoers in the challenging conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle. This new FOX drama premiers on Sunday, 9/22 at 8:00 pm, immediately after the FOX NFL doubleheader, followed by its time-period premiere on Monday, 9/23 at 9:00 pm.