The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program began with just three participants in the summer of 1984. Since then, the program has grown to serve over 1,600 participants annually and is the largest Junior Lifeguard program on the West Coast.

For the past 20 years, the program had been operating its headquarters out of a temporary modular building. COAR, the City of Newport Beach, City Lifeguards, and Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation collaborated to design a new, 5,500 sf, multi-functional space that is equipped to house the program for generations to come.

The facility includes administrative and event space, expanded storage, a secure restroom area, and a locker room for staff. The exterior finishes of the facility are a combination of concrete, acrylic panel, and tile. The multimedia exterior creates visual interest and reduces the perceived building mass, while the colors and finishes also tie into the aesthetic of the beach environment. COAR, the City, and Lifeguards developed the vision for the future operations of the facility. COAR was actively involved in leading this project through the entitlement process including CEQA and obtaining a Coastal Development Permit.

In order to accommodate the new building, COAR identified other areas which could be modified to recapture the parking lost due to the project. In total the design was able to add three parking spaces to the overall available parking count at this highly used beach location.

The new facility will serve as a multi-functional space for use by the Junior Lifeguards and the public, with programs and rentals offered through the Recreation Department. With the growth of the Junior Lifeguard program, this project provides a new state-of-the-art building to accommodate the additional program needs.

“Our program is considered one of the finest, not just in California, but the entire United States and world. And now it has a suitable building to call home. It’s an awesome asset to our community,” said Reenie Boyer, founder of the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program.