The County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD’s) Lifeguard Division Baywatch rescue boats were recently featured in an episode of Meet the Fleet. The episode highlighted the LACoFD Lifeguard Division Baywatch boats and skillset of lifeguards.
During the episode, the host, Ryan Zummallen interviewed LACoFD Lifeguard Section Chief Oliver O’Connell. Chief O’Connell shared to be a lifeguard operator on the Baywatch boats, personnel are dive, emergency medical services, and Coast Guard certified. When on patrol, two lifeguards are assigned to each Baywatch boat at all times. They do not fight fires, but they do conduct dewatering to save sinking ships, underwater rescues, recovery, and tow vessels back to shore.
The Baywatch boats were also the inspiration for the name of the Baywatch TV show. The Baywatch 11 boat was also featured on various episodes of the Baywatch TV show. This show introduced the public to the LACoFD Lifeguard Division and exploring the career opportunity of a lifeguard.
“When members of the public are in trouble and they see the boat coming, they get a sense of calm,” shared Chief O’Connell. “LA County lifeguards have a tough job! They have to be ready to handle almost any situation that comes their way on the water. This boat helps them do that.”
Meet the Fleet serves as a platform to educate the public on the specialized units available throughout Los Angeles County and the critical role they play in safeguarding communities. To watch the complete episode, click here.
