Politics & Government

UCSD and City Break Ground on Lifeguard Tower Remodel

University and city officials meet to break ground on the lifeguard tower near Scripps Pier.

The city and broke ground on the remodel of the university’s lifeguard tower Thursday.

UC San Diego Chancellor Marye Anne Fox, San Diego Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, Mayor Jerry Sanders and lifeguard Chief Rick Wurts attended the ceremony.

While the tower is owned by UC San Diego, city lifeguards man the tower with funding from the university.

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The renovations include a complete façade improvement that will match nearby structures on campus. The remodel also includes increasing storage space, installing an improved public announcement system and placing solar panels on the rooftop to offset energy usage.

“This is truly a community collaboration,” said Fox.

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The remodel is possible due to contributions from San Diego-based Safdie Rabines Architects and Sundt construction.

“We appreciate you working closely with our brave San Diego lifeguards to create a project that will help them better protect San Diego surfers, swimmers, divers and sunbathers,” said Lightner.

Sanders said that the “generous contributions will pay dividends for decades to come.”

In 2011, lifeguards conducted 84 rescues and performed medical aid at 95 incidents.

“This is an important project to all San Diegans who visit this beautiful stretch of beach to swim, surf or walk along the sands,” said Sanders.

Construction is expected to be completed by summer.


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