Mayor Jerry Sanders joined members of Lifeguard Services and Fire & Rescue Thursday, May 22, to unveil the new lifeguard dock next to lifeguard headquarters at 2581 Quivira Court.
The new $2.7 million project replaces the 50-year-old dock that was condemned three years ago after a rough storm partially submerged the decaying structure.
The city spent in $1 million with an additional $1 million coming from the Mission Bay Park fund and FEMA contributing $715,000.
The state-of-the-art dock features 25 slips, a covered boatlift and work station and fuel station.
“The new dock is a critical component for public safety,” said Lifeguard Lt. John Greenhalgh.
Now that busy boating season is beginning Greenhalgh reminded boaters to have all the necessary safety equipment and to verify that it functions properly, especially if the boat has been in storage. He pointed out that it is illegal to drink alcohol while piloting a ship or while under the influence.
“It’s a BUI ” boating under the influence,” he said.
He also said his department is now reminding parents to be aware of the drowning hazard swimming pools pose for small children, especially if unsupervised.
Not only will lifeguard vessels dock at the new facilities, San Diego Harbor Patrol, Customs and Immigration, Fish & Game, San Diego Police Department and the Navy will also have access. Two firefighting boats will also be tied off at the new dock.
This will allow the various agencies and agents to coordinate on training, investigations and rescue missions.
Because lifeguards respond to calls along approximately 17 miles of San Diego beaches and coastal cliffs, Greenhalgh pointed out the dock’s location near the Mission Bay Channel at Hospitality Point will shorten the response time to open-ocean and coastal calls.