The San Diego City Council supported UC San Diego’s contract to bankroll San Diego city lifeguards to staff Black's Beach on Tuesday.
The lifeguard service was reduced to near-suspension 15 months ago as part of budget cuts by the deficit-strapped city.
The school has agreed to spend more than half a million dollars on an annualized basis to fully restore the beach's lifeguard service.
The agreement received strong support from the San Diego City Council, but no vote was taken at Tuesday’s meeting because the deal requires an amendment to the budget.
It will be placed on next Monday's agenda for approval.
“We’re very hopeful. Right now we’re making plans to be there on the 14th and provide protection,” said Lifeguard Chief Rick Wurts.
City budget cuts that took effect Jan. 1, 2010 left only two lifeguards to patrol Blacks Beach from mid-day to dark and only between mid-June and Labor Day.
Because the waters and cliffs can be deadly, city and campus officials say the place needs to be properly monitored.
