New lifeguard tower installed at Asilomar State Beach

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION) There is a new installation at Asilomar State Beach this Memorial Day.

California State Parks installed a lifeguard tower this weekend in an effort to keep people safe at the beach.

State parks said changing ocean conditions, rocks and rip currents can make the beach dangerous, especially for beginner surfers and swimmers, so over the last three years, the agency has increased lifeguard staffing at Asilomar.

In the past month, State parks said its lifeguards have made five water rescues in that area.

The tower is expected to be staffed from noon to 6 p.m. daily during the summer months.