Lifeguards Want Your Blood!

The Newport Beach Fire Department is encouraging the community to stop by the Newport Pier today to donate blood and help save a life. 

The 27th annual Newport Beach Lifeguards’ Blood Drive - which is annually the most successful lifeguard drive in Southern California - will be held today from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Newport Beach Lifeguard Headquarters, at the base of the Newport Pier.

Last June, the lifeguards held a blood drive which collected 86 units of blood, enough to help about 258 people in need, and in August another 80 units were collected.

"The Blood Drive annually provides upwards of 100 units of blood to assist in lifesaving measures for 300 people in need," Jennifer Schulz, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Fire Department, said. "We have openings for 120 donors during this six-hour window."

Blood collected from the drive is used daily to treat patients undergoing surgery, those with cancer, burn patients, auto accident patients and many more.

Blood donations cannot be stockpiled, with the shelf life ranging from a few hours for some cells to 42 days for others. Blood donations must be made on a regular basis in order to maintain an adequate supply in the community.

If you are interested in donating, call the Newport Beach Fire Department at 949-644-3047 to schedule an appointment or visit www.newportlifeguard.org . 

Donors need to bring a picture ID to donate.