The City of Ventura is seeking youth volunteers to help educate swimmers and beachgoers about safe swimming areas at the beach near Marina Park this summer. This education effort is part of the Pierpont Beach Safe Beach Program - a collaborative partnership project between the City of Ventura, California State Parks and the Pierpont Community Council.

The one-year pilot project was established to create a safe and enjoyable beach experience at Pierpont Beach. Three new lifeguard towers were installed last weekend and are now operational at the ends of Seaward Avenue, Martha's Vineyard Court and Greenock Lane. State Park lifeguards will staff the towers seven days a week through Labor Day and on holidays through September.

Community youth volunteers will assist lifeguards in a preventative safety role by informing swimmers about the dangers of strong eddies and rip currents at Marina Park beach. Lifeguards at the Greenock Lane tower will advise beachgoers to swim only in the area north of the lifeguard tower, where water conditions are safer.

In addition, the City has installed signs in the area to warn visitors about the water hazards when lifeguards are not on duty.

Local youth, ages 15 and older, who are interested in volunteering, should contact Rosie Ornelas, City of Ventura Volunteer Coordinator at 805-652-4555 for more information.