The City of Long Beach is unveiling a new Rainbow Pride Lifeguard Tower on Thursday, June 10, 2021. The city will celebrate the installation and dedication at Shoreline Way and 12th Place. The community is invited to participate in the ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
“I’m very proud to see our lifeguard tower back as a symbol of inclusion and love,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I’m also excited for the community process to expand features and amenities around the tower to make an even more active space.”
Installed by the Long Beach Fire Department, the new tower replaces the original Pride Lifeguard Tower, which was destroyed in a fire in March 2021. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Following the incident, the City received overwhelming support from community members, businesses and organizations throughout the region and construction of the new tower was expedited.
The unveiling and dedication will include a ceremonious opening of the tower flaps to be performed by Mayor Garcia and Councilwoman Cindy Allen, as well as the hanging of the red Rescue Can, a standard operating procedure that signifies to the public that a lifeguard tower is in operation.
“This tower has a special place in my heart, and in all our hearts,” said Councilwoman Allen. “Rebuilding this tower signals to my daughter, and to our sisters, brothers, siblings and families that we promote inclusion, celebrate our diversity and ensure representation and safe spaces in our community.”
“Lifeguards are enthusiastic about having the Pride Tower back on the sand, in service and operational,” said Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Chief Gonzalo Medina. “The Pride Tower represents our unwavering commitment to our LGBTQ employees and to the diverse communities of Long Beach.”
A committee led by Councilwoman Cindy Allen will develop ideas for enhancing the pride tower with additional ways of showing LGBTQ+ pride. The new tower, like the one before it, will be painted by City lifeguards.
The one in Venice looks great and this one in Long Beach will as well. They should paint all of the towers this way.