'Lifeguards' pay and pensions under scrutiny

Most full-time lifeguards get the same 'public safety' pensions as police officers and firefighters. But a growing number of cities are demanding that lifeguards cut their benefits and pay more toward them.

The six-figure salaries of some full-time municipal lifeguards have fueled talk radio segments and blog comments in recent weeks, with some commentators expressing surprise at the pay for those who patrol the beaches.

For local government, the larger concern is over the pensions that lifeguards receive when they retire. Most full-time lifeguards get the most generous public retirement plan — the same "public safety" pensions received by police officers and firefighters.

But a growing number of cities — including Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and San Diego — are demanding that lifeguards cut their pensions.

Lifeguards have been categorized as "safety" workers for decades, shortly after the profession was formalized with required training and skills testing in the 1960s.

Municipal lifeguards start at around $60,000 a year, and pay escalates up to $115,000 at the supervisory level. Pensions are based, in part, on a lifeguard's final salary.


LAMediaWatch.com