More than 250,000 poeple packed San Diego's beaches to celebrate Independence Day Monday, according to number released by the San Diego Lifeguards.
The Fourth of July is typically the busiest beach weekend of the year with tens of thousands of people flocking to the coast.
Some people were parked by 6 a.m. Monday to get a good parking spot and a nice area on the beach.
Because of the crowds, police were extra vigilant to ensure everyone followed the rules and ensure everyone is safe.
San Diego Lifeguards estimate 185,800 people came to the beaches Sunday. That compares to 155,000 on Saturday. Lifeguards performed 211 rescues on Sunday and 228 on Saturday.
There were about 20 lifeguards in Mission Beach alone over the weekend, and 30 on the Fourth. Police also had command posts at popular beaches.
Police and lifeguards were reminding beachgoers to not bring alcohol or glass or tents that close in all directions. Only open tents were allowed. Some beachgoers were ticketed for violating the rules.
In the meantime, lifeguards were kept busy by the strong rip currents in the water.
They warned swimmers to stay in areas where they can touch the ground, always swim with a buddy, and use lifeguard stands as a reference to where they were originally swimming.
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“You might see a spot where it’s inviting. Rip currents look inviting. They don’t have any waves. It looks like a nice calm area, but it’s just a big, deep hole where the water recirculates,” Lt. Rick Romero of San Diego Lifeguards said.
Lifeguards also said kids get lost every year during the Fourth, so parents were advised to keep a close eye on children.
