Newport Lifeguards Busy Over Holidays

Sunny holiday weather resulted in more emergency calls to the Newport Beach Fire Department, officials said Wednesday.

Between Dec. 24 and Monday, an estimated 201,000 people flocked to local beaches, according to Jennifer Schulz of the Newport Beach Fire Department.

During that time, lifeguards responded to 31 first-aid calls, conducted 32 preventive actions (such as guiding swimmers away from rocks or riptides and keeping kids from digging large holes) and prevented 172 incidents from becoming full-blown rescues. There were also three reports of lost children and two medical aids, Schulz said. 

"Lifeguards were busy with the nice weather and many people on vacation and enjoying our beaches," Schulz said.

Lifeguard statistics for the 2010 holiday season were not available, but Schulz said the tallies were likely lower because last year's weather was "very rainy."