Newport Beach will consider raising its junior lifeguard program tuition to build a $4.9 million headquarters near the Balboa Pier, during its March 9 meeting.
The current junior lifeguard facility consists of a 2,160-square-foot trailer system that lacks a restroom, locker room, and running water.
In order to fund a replacement of the facility, the summer junior lifeguard program would increase in price by an extra $129 per participant.
The proposed 5,145-square-foot beachside facility would include locker rooms, showers, and a public restroom.
More than $2 million from Newport Beach’s general fund would go toward the project’s $4.9 million price tag, while an additional $1.75 million would come from the junior lifeguard program.
Another $1.1 million is needed for construction.
To offset the funding gap, the city plans to raise the program fee from $727 to $856, beginning in summer 2022.
The seven-week junior lifeguard program runs yearly from late June to early August. Sessions are offered daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
During the junior lifeguard program’s off-season, the facility will be by the city’s recreation and senior services department. It will use the facility for fitness and educational classes, community meeting space, and other recreational programming.
