Long Beach Lifeguards Headquarters, Long Beach

Perched just above the shoreline, the Long Beach Lifeguards Headquarters is a well-preserved 1938 landmark that reflects classic 1930s beach architecture.

The two-and-a-half-story wooden building was designed with both function and maritime style in mind. Built on a raised foundation to accommodate rescue gear, it includes a hexagonal tower that once served as a clock and lookout point. Nautical details such as porthole windows, catwalks, and a Spanish-style gabled roof reflect its coastal purpose and setting.

Beyond its functional and aesthetic appeal, the station also holds historical significance as the base of the oldest city-owned lifeguard service on the West Coast. Pioneering innovations in water safety, the Long Beach Lifeguard Service was the first to introduce power boats, radio communications, and classroom water safety instruction.

Plans are in place to convert the bottom floor into a lifeguard service museum, showcasing memorabilia and honoring the legacy of the building.