Systemic issues, sewage crisis make lifeguarding in Imperial Beach rough. But change is underway.

Systemic issues, sewage crisis make lifeguarding in Imperial Beach rough. But change is underway.

The pay is among the lowest in San Diego County. The morale is low. And sewage-laced ocean water has made an already demanding job even more challenging. There has been little incentive to join or stay as a lifeguard in Imperial Beach. But city officials said last week that an overhaul of the Marine Safety Division, including salary and staffing increases and merging with the fire department, is underway. A report prepared in October 2024 for th…