<a href="https://reason.com/2025/07/14/in-just-1-year-134-lifeguards-cost-los-angeles-taxpayers-70-million/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
If you’re planning a beach day in Los Angeles, brace yourself! It turns out taxpayers shelled out a whopping $70.8 million in 2024 for just 134 lifeguards. Yes, you heard that right. A handful of sun-soaked lifesavers has that kind of budget, and it raises an eyebrow or two about what it means to be safe at the beach.
Among these lifesavers, Lifeguard Chief Fernando Boiteux topped the charts with a jaw-dropping $523,351 in total compensation! Let that sink in—more than many doctors earn. Meanwhile, lifeguards’ overtime payments made some seriously big waves; one of them, Remy Smith, cashed in a staggering $171,000 in overtime alone! Talk about getting your financial floaties on!
But wait, there’s more! Lifeguards in L.A. are making bank compared to their peers in cities like Miami Beach, where lifeguards average around $65,471. I mean, is it really necessary for a lifeguard to earn so much that they could practically retire before 30? A hefty salary raises the question of whether taxpayers are getting their money’s worth. Let’s face it—beach safety is a serious business, but can public funds really handle these prices?
What do you think? Are these salaries justified, or is it time for a reality check? Dive into the comments and let’s hear your thoughts!
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