The City of Long Beach will unveil and dedicate the new Pride Lifeguard Tower during a ceremony on Thursday, June 10 at 5 p.m. after a fire destroyed the original tower in March.
The new Pride Lifeguard Tower will be located at Shoreline Way and 12th Place.
“I’m very proud to see our lifeguard tower back as a symbol of inclusion and love,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “I’m also excited for the community process to expand features and amenities around the tower to make an even more active space.”
The new tower will serve as a replacement for the one that burned down. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
According to a statement from the City, Long Beach Fire Department investigators continue to review witness statements and track leads. The statement notes that the process is time-intensive and requires due diligence to ensure the cause of the fire is determined carefully.
“Investigation has determined that no electrical or heat-related ignition sources were present on the tower,” the statement said. “Based on witness statements and finding no ignition sources in the tower, this fire is classified as incendiary (arson).”
Garcia and Councilmember Cindy Allen will perform a ceremonious opening of the tower flaps at Thursday’s unveiling. The event will also include the hanging of the red Rescue Can, a procedure that alerts the public that the lifeguard tower is in operation.
“This tower has a special place in my heart, and in all our hearts,” Allen said. “Rebuilding this tower signals to my daughter, and to our sisters, brothers, siblings and families that we promote inclusion, celebrate our diversity and ensure representation and safe spaces in our community.”
The new tower will be installed by the Long Beach Fire Department.
“Lifeguards are enthusiastic about having the Pride Tower back on the sand, in service and operational,” said Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Chief Gonzalo Medina. “The Pride Tower represents our unwavering commitment to our LGBTQ employees and to the diverse communities of Long Beach.”
City lifeguards will paint the new tower, much like the previous tower, while a committee led by Councilmember Allen will develop ideas to enhance the new tower with more ways of showing LGBTQ+ pride.
The Fire Department continues to seek the public’s help in identifying any additional video, security footage or personal eyewitness accounts associated with this fire. Those with information are urged to call the “Fire Investigation Hotline” at (562) 570-2582.
