Newport Lifeguards Want Your Blood

The needle's not that big. And you may even get a cookie or a cup of orange juice out of it. Best of all, you may help save a life.

Newport Beach lifeguards are holding their 26th annual blood drive Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at lifeguard headquarters at the Newport Pier. There are spots for 120 donors.

Organizers prefer that donors call ahead and schedule an appointment. Call the Fire Department at 949-644-3178 or 949-644-3046 to do so. Walk-ins, however, are welcome. 

"No one who is qualified to give will be turned away," Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Schulz said in an email.

All donors must bring a photo ID.

The blood drive—Southern California's most successful lifeguard blood drive, according to a Fire Department press release—usually collects upwards of 100 units of blood. That's enough to help about 300 people.

With a shelf life ranging from a few hours for some cells and 42 days for others, blood cannot be stockpiled, according to the press release; therefore, blood donations must be made on a regular basis in order to maintain an adequate supply in the community.