The beach was starting to get busy.
San Clemente was just 2 years old and word was spreading about the pristine “Spanish Village by the Sea.”
The railroad was bringing droves of people to the pier and “many thousands of campers” were hanging out on the sand. Transcripts from nearly a century ago show a city meeting where concerns were voiced about sharp pieces of wood on the south ramp of the pier causing injury to beachgoers who were seeking first aid, sweeping currents pushing people into the pier and trash left behind by the influx of visitors.
So in 1931, a position for a “life guard” with police authority was created, at a whopping pay of $100 a month. It was the official start of the San Clemente Marine Safety Department.
The Marine Safety Department this year is celebrating its 95th anniversary, and plans are underway by the San Clemente Lifeguard & Junior Guard Foundation to install a lifesize bronze statue, “The Rescue,” at Parque Del Mar overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the pier.
The cost for the statue is estimated at $300,000, with half of the funds already raised by two large donations from Rainbow Sandals and Sonance, an audio equipment company based in San Clemente, as well as several smaller community contributions.
The city has already given its go-ahead, so with successful fundraising, the estimated completion could be as early as the end of the year.
“We can see the finish line now and we’re super excited to make this a reality,” said Greg Hulsizer, president of the San Clemente Lifeguard & Junior Guard Foundation. “We look forward to bringing this wonderful amenity to this community.”
The statue will depict a male and a female lifeguard. The male has binoculars scanning the sea, while the female guard is in action, as if jumping off of a tower, fins and buoy in hand.
“It’s showing vigilance, teamwork and a commitment to saving lives, which is what San Clemente committed itself to in July 1931, when it authorized the formation of the San Clemente Lifeguard Department,” Hulsizer said. “The sculpture is to commemorate the heroic acts of all lifeguards — past, present and future.”
Over the department’s lifetime, lifeguards have made an estimated 110,000 rescues, Hulsizer said. He also noted that it has been more than 45 years since there has been a drowning on a guarded city beach, “an excellent record of keeping people safe at the beach and making sure they go home at the end of the day.”
“The men and women of our lifeguard department do an incredible job,” Hulsizer said.
A gathering Saturday, Jan. 24, at Los Molinos Brewing will further fundraising efforts and give an open-house information session for those interested in learning more about the project and the lifeguard department’s history.
“We’re really excited about this event to start to bring the community together around what’s going to be a really iconic addition to our pier bowl,” Hulsizer said.
The vision is for the 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture, framed by existing palm trees, to be a gathering place, a landmark, and “a reminder of the lifesaving service and tradition that shapes our city.”
Presentations at the open house will happen at 4 and 5:30 p.m., with information about the project, history about the lifeguard department and words from Olivier Eustache, a bodyboarder who was rescued by lifeguards on Christmas Day.
“We’re just inviting people to come and talk to us and learn about ‘The Rescue,’” Hulsizer said.
Limebrook’s artwork can be found across Orange County; his first-ever sculpture of dolphins is at Beach Road, where he lived for many years. In 2005, he was commissioned to do the Marine Monument statue in San Clemente, near where the new lifeguard statue will be.
He is also known for his bronze masterpieces erected at Dana Point’s Waterman’s Plaza depicting local surfing icons such as Hobie Alter, Phil Edwards, Joyce Hoffman, John Severson, Steve and Barrie Boehne and more.
“I was just thinking the other day that it was such a part of my upbringing, that culture,” Limebrook said of surfing. “I’m happy to be where I am, making the circle back to my roots.”
While he was never a lifeguard, nor saved by one, Limebrook said he always admired what they did.
“They are strong and dedicated and they take risks. And they deserve the credit,” he said. “They are pretty selfless.”
Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be recognized on a dedicated bronze plaque affixed to the sculpture. A limited number of major donors will have their names on the front of the statue’s concrete base.
Los Molinos Beer Company is at 216 Calle de Los Molinos, San Clemente. The free event kicks off at 3 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. For more info, go to: scljgfoundation.com.