Los Angeles County lifeguards are making waves, not just in the ocean, but in the wallets of taxpayers with salaries that soar into the six figures.
According to a report by Fox News, a fiscal watchdog group revealed that one L.A. County lifeguard earned over $500,000 in 2024, while many others pulled in hefty sums that raise serious questions about public spending priorities.
This eye-popping compensation comes as the county grapples with shortages of police and firefighters, alongside struggles to manage rising crime and persistent wildfires. Taxpayers, already stretched thin, might wonder why beach watchmen are banking more than some corporate executives. It’s a classic case of misplaced priorities in a city often criticized for fiscal excess.
The watchdog group OpenTheBooks found that the top-earning lifeguard in L.A. County pocketed $523,351 last year in base pay, benefits, and other compensation. That’s not a typo—over half a million for guarding the surf. While lifeguards undoubtedly perform vital work, such lavish pay seems disproportionate when public safety resources are spread so thin.
Moreover, 34 lifeguards earned at least $300,000 in 2024, and 134 brought in $200,000 or more, combining base pay with overtime and additional benefits. That adds up to a staggering $70.8 million for just the highest-paid among them. It’s hard to justify such figures when everyday folks are footing the bill.
OpenTheBooks CEO John Hart noted that while lifeguards “deserve to be well compensated” for their risky work, salaries topping $500,000 could be “unsettling” to taxpayers “drowning in debt.” Hart’s point hits the mark—there’s a fine line between fair pay and outright extravagance, and L.A. County seems to have crossed it with gusto.
A significant chunk of these inflated earnings comes from overtime pay, a factor that’s boosted lifeguard compensation dramatically in 2024. Back in 2021, the group reported top earners making up to $510,283, with nearly half from overtime alone. Clearly, this isn’t a new problem, but one that’s only grown under lax oversight.
L.A. County’s lifeguard division, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, employs around 1,500 individuals, though not all earn these astronomical sums. Many lower-paid lifeguards work alongside the high earners, whose duties range from routine beach patrols to complex maritime rescues. Still, the disparity in pay distribution raises questions about fairness in compensation structures.
The issue of overtime isn’t unique to Los Angeles; cities like Seattle, Chicago, and New York have faced similar controversies with public employees exploiting extra hours for massive payouts. In Seattle, for instance, a police officer out-earned the mayor with over $414,000 in 2019, largely due to overtime. It’s a systemic flaw that needs addressing, not celebrating.
While lifeguards cash in, L.A. County struggles with critical shortages in law enforcement and fire services, leaving public safety hanging by a thread. Violent crime remains a persistent challenge, and wildfires continue to threaten communities. How can a city justify such payouts when basic needs go unmet?
Hart pointed out that Los Angeles is “struggling to extinguish fires and looting” while “leading the way in lavish pay.” His words sting with truth—progressive policies often prioritize image over substance, leaving taxpayers to clean up the mess. It’s a pattern that frustrates those who value fiscal responsibility.
The total compensation for the 134 highest-paid lifeguards averages over $500,000 per person, including pensions, health insurance, and other perks on top of base and overtime pay. That’s a golden parachute for a job that, while important, shouldn’t rival the earnings of top-tier professionals in private sectors. Something’s got to give.
Fox News Digital sought comment from L.A. County’s public information office, but no response was provided by press time. This silence speaks volumes—when public officials dodge scrutiny, it’s often because the numbers don’t add up in their favor. Transparency shouldn’t be optional.
The broader debate over overtime pay extends beyond L.A., with other cities facing budget shortfalls while public employees rack up extra hours unchecked. Chicago, for instance, blew past its police overtime budget by 30% in just six months of 2024. It’s a nationwide issue that demands real reform, not more bureaucratic excuses.
Ultimately, L.A. County taxpayers deserve a government that stewards their hard-earned dollars with care, not one that splurges on beachside salaries while crime and fires rage unchecked. Lifeguards play a crucial role, no question, but compensation must match reality, not fantasy. Let’s hope this report sparks a long-overdue reckoning on public spending.
