Laguna Beach City Council ratified a local emergency proclamation for the upcoming El Niño on September 14, following its declaration by City Manager Dave Kiff on September 10. This action positions the city to pursue funding and regulatory flexibility for necessary shoreline protection, sand placement, and repairs in anticipation of a strengthening weather event. Residents interested in preparing for the historic weather event and protecting their properties can register for a Super El Niño Community Preparedness Workshop scheduled for October 12.
The city's preparations come after a summer marked by multiple water-related deaths along the Laguna Beach coastline. In June, 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown was swept away by a rogue wave at Treasure Island Beach. This was followed by the death of 24-year-old Moustafa Gulzarzada, who was reported missing on August 4 while swimming at Crescent Bay Beach. Gulzarzada was located by the Laguna Beach Marine Safety dive team less than an hour after his disappearance and was pronounced dead at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Later in August, 41-year-old body surfer Justin Anand Shahani was also pronounced dead at Mission Hospital after being pulled from the water unconscious at Crescent Bay and experiencing cardiac arrest.
City Manager Dave Kiff addressed these incidents in an August 26 city newsletter. Kiff stated that "three people lost their lives during these various events," which took "a big toll on first responders who pride themselves in saving people." He noted that the direct cause of death for the Laguna Beach resident who passed away while bodysurfing at Crescent Bay was not yet known, acknowledging the sudden and tragic nature of the event for the individual and their loved ones.
These water-related incidents occurred during a summer characterized by changing ocean conditions and significant sand movement along Laguna Beach's shoreline. According to the California Water Safety Coalition, summer is historically the deadliest season for drowning incidents in California, with 48% of all drowning deaths occurring between June and August. Kai Bond, Marine Safety Chief for Laguna Beach and head lifeguard for all city beaches, attributed these conditions to "unforeseen swells" and "extreme sand movement" from a large swell early in the summer. Such large swells can alter beach shapes and create stronger currents, deeper channels, and other hazards that may not be immediately visible to beachgoers.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service has indicated that this year’s El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong weather event in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter. The California Coastal Commission has warned that the developing El Niño could bring more frequent and intense storms, rainfall, and high-wave conditions to coastal communities. Laguna Beach has already experienced the effects of changing coastal conditions, with a swell generated by Hurricane Marie on September 2 moving significant amounts of sand from local beaches and contributing to ongoing erosion. By mid-September, six oceanfront homes had been yellow-tagged due to compromised seawalls, and a portion of the Aliso Beach parking lot had failed.
In response to these risks, Laguna Beach lifeguards emphasize the importance of safety precautions. They encourage beachgoers to assess the ocean before entering the water, as conditions can vary significantly between beaches and change throughout the day. Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond recommended three key actions: checking conditions before going, consulting with a lifeguard upon arrival to inquire about current conditions, and remaining aware of the water's status even after entering. Lifeguards routinely respond to emergencies, but the number and severity of recent accidents have underscored the inherent risks of ocean activities, especially as surf conditions continue to fluctuate. The upcoming community preparedness workshop on October 12 will provide further guidance for residents on how to prepare for the anticipated strong El Niño.
