Lifeguards

Lifeguards are staffed year-round at the permanent lifeguard stations in San Diego (Ocean Beach, South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, North Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, Children's Pool, La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores). In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed in seasonal lifeguard towers.

Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9 a.m. to dusk. Check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.

Failure to follow a lifeguard's lawful order or providing false information to a lifeguard is a misdemeanor. However, in California, any person who intentionally injures a lifeguard may be convicted of felony battery.

Swimming

Never swim alone. Always swim near a lifeguard. Water areas off the major beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones.

A black and yellow checkered flag will normally be posted between swimming and surfing zones. Check signs or ask a lifeguard for the proper zone for your activity.

Surfing

Water areas off the major beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones to separate these users. A black and yellow checker flag will normally be posted between zones. Check signs or ask a lifeguard for the proper zone for your activity.

Regardless of the area of use, it is unlawful to use any water recreational device (surfboard, boat, etc.) in a manner that endangers others.

Scuba

If you're planning to dive, telephone the lifeguard beach information line at 619-221-8824 for surf information before coming to the beach. Always check with lifeguards before diving.

Fire Pits

Where fire pits are provided during the summer months, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches. Fires are not allowed between midnight and 5 a.m.

Burning rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal or paper products may be used as fuel. The fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than 12 inches above the upper edge of the fire container.

Before leaving the beach, the fire must be extinguished, and the coal must be removed or deposited in hot coal containers.

Fishing

Where fishing is permitted from the pier, a fishing license is not required, but catch regulations are enforced.

Boat Launch

La Jolla Shores has the only beachfront boat launch within San Diego City limits. This is an unimproved boat launch. Vehicles are allowed to drive on the sand in a very limited area at 5 miles per hour or less. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended.

Small vessels can be launched directly into the surf at the foot of Avenida de la Playa, approximately 300 yards south of the lifeguard station.

Disability Accessibility

The boardwalk and areas adjacent to the beach are accessible by wheelchair.

Beach Wheelchairs

A limited number of wide-tire beach wheelchairs are available from the lifeguards.

No Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots. To read the full ordinance and for more information, visit the City Attorney’s Office website.

No Glass Containers

Glass containers are NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.

No Smoking

Smoking is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.

No Littering

Littering is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.

No Disturbing Noise

Disturbing noise is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.

No Overnight Camping

Overnight camping, sleeping or parking is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.

No Dogs

From Nov. 1 through March 31, dogs are NOT allowed on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

From April 1 through Oct. 31, dogs are NOT allowed on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

At all other hours, dogs must be on a leash. Owners are expected to pick up after their dog.

Dogs are allowed at Dog Beach (adjacent to Ocean Beach) and Fiesta Island (in Mission Bay).

These restrictions do not apply to service animals, as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. For more information about rules regarding dogs at beaches and Mission Bay, visit the City's Parks and Recreation Department website.