CAPITOLA, Calif. -- The Santa Cruz Fire Department's Marine
Safety Division began patrolling Capitola Beach on Memorial Day,
and lifeguards said Thursday that the transition has been seamless.
According to Capitola city estimates, more than 200,000
beach-goers flock to Capitola Beach each year.
Santa Cruz lifeguards are now responsible for their safety, the result of
cutbacks on Capitola's side as that city continues to evaluate its programs.
Santa Cruz fire officials said the change provides an
opportunity to streamline public safety services and save money. According to Capitola city council paperwork, the city estimates it will save $47,700 in the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
"We're also getting a better product and that really
translates into a better service for the community, not only the residents of
Capitola and Santa Cruz, but also the visitors," said Santa Cruz Fire Capt. Rob
Oatey.
Some of the changes are obvious, like the trucks snaking
along the beach and a jet ski that can be used for rescues, said lifeguard
Shane Frazier.
"One thing that's good with the change is we do a lot more
consistent training," explained lifeguard Aaron Kirks.
Capitola Police Chief Rudy Escalante said the lifeguards are
continually improving their skills. In
fact, Frazier and Kirks were out in the water training on Thursday afternoon --
just yards away from junior lifeguards who use the beach to get their feet wet
for the first time.
The Marine Safety Division added 10 positions during the
transition, and some of the lifeguards, like Kirk and Frazier, have worked
Capitola beaches in the past. The division
is now roughly 60 strong, patrolling some of the most popular beaches in Santa
Cruz County until Labor Day.
