RPVCCA_CC_SR_2014_08_19_06_Abalone_Cove_Safety_Task_ForceCITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED:
HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CORY LINDER, DIRECTOR, RECREATION & PARKS
AUGUST 19, 2014
ABALONE COVE SAFETY TASK FORCE UPDATE
CAROLYNN PETRU, ACTING CITY MANAGER@
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the update on the Abalone Cove Safety Task Force.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Abalone Cove Safety Task Force was created after multiple rescues and one fatality
occurred along the Abalone Cove Beach Complex during the 2014 Fourth of July holiday
weekend. The Complex consists of Abalone, Portuguese and Sacred Coves as well as
Inspiration and Portuguese Points. Representatives from the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), and the Los Angeles County
Fire, Lifeguard, and Sheriff's Departments make up the Task Force.
Initially, the Task Force met to discuss and debrief regarding the abnormally high levels of
rescue events that occurred over the holiday weekend and the following week. Task Force
members also discussed the distribution of resources as rescue and recovery efforts were
taking place. As Task Force meetings have continued, discussions regarding proactive
planning have led to a Task Force outreach plan to include educating the public, increasing
patrols, and continuing communication and preparations for future events and incidents.
DISCUSSION
During the 2014 Fourth of July holiday weekend and the following week, more than 50
ocean rescues were made at the Abalone Cove Beach Complex. Three of these incidents
were considered "major" in that these required the intervention of helicopters and additional
resource allocations. These ocean rescues were made at guarded as well as non-guarded
beaches within the Complex. For reference purposes, in addition to RPV Beach, Abalone
Cove is the only area guarded by a Los Angeles County Lifeguard daily during the summer
months. Inspiration and Portuguese Points, as well as Sacred Cove are not physically
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staffed by Lifeguards, although their personnel are tasked with responding to emergencies
in these areas.
As Council is aware, the nature of our current digital age brings about an overabundance of
media exposure -Social Media platforms such as Facebook, lnstagram, and Twitter allow
for visitors to post and broadcast their adventures widely. Unfortunately, oftentimes the
inherent dangers associated with some activities are lost upon audiences seeking
excitement and exploration. A consequence of greater recognition of our beach areas is a
higher level of water rescues.
Due to these increased levels of visitors and incidents, the Task Force agencies gathered
together to discuss reactive and proactive responses. Since the creation of the Task
Force, multiple meetings have been held, with discussions resulting in positive results:
greater levels of inter-agency communication; sharing and distribution of resources; and
preparation for future emergencies; and public education and outreach. The Task Force's
immediate goals have been to increase public awareness of the potential dangers through
media and signage; increase land-and marine-based patrols in the area; and restrict public
access to Inspiration and Portuguese Points when necessary due to weather advisories
and potentially dangerous surf conditions.
Public Awareness:
• The Task Force jointly issued a press release to the media to notify the public of its
actions due to the events that occurred.
• The Task Force agreed upon additional and improved signage to better warn the
public of potential hazards (see attached). Approximately 12 of these signs were
strategically placed along PVDS as well as down at the beach areas. Other signage
has been updated and installed to reinforce area closures and 'No Lifeguard on
Duty'. In all, over 30 signs were installed to increase awareness.
• The Task Force and RPVtv worked together on a public service announcement
(currently in editing) reinforcing the need for the public to swim near lifeguards, to
obey the rules and regulations of the Preserve and the beaches, and to be aware of
potential hazards.
Increase of Patrols :
• To maximize coverage, the Task Force distributed staff to all areas of the Complex
to make positive public contacts and have more visibility in the area. The Sheriff's
"Surf and Saddle" Program has allowed for more onsite visibility, and the Lifeguards
have dedicated a watercraft and additional personnel to the area. The City and the
MRCA have increased visibility along the beaches and the coves.
At the most recent meeting held the week of August 11, 2014, the Task Force discussed
the distribution of resources for the upcoming Labor Day weekend where many visitors are
expected to attend the popular beach and Preserve areas.
CONCLUSIONS
The Task Force will continue to meet on an as-needed and proactive basis in order to
mutually share information and resources to maximize the protection and safety of the
residents and visitors of the Rancho Palos Verdes beach areas.
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no significant additional fiscal impact to this update and the continued efforts of
the Abalone Cove Safety Task Force. The costs associated with additional signage and
public outreach efforts have been accommodated within the adopted FY14-15 Budget.
Attachment:
New Coastal Hazard Warning Sign
V:\CAROL YNN\REPORTS\2014\201400819_ACSTF _Update .doc
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