Santa Cruz Harbor increases patrols ahead of 4th of July

Both lifeguards and harbor patrols expect a busy weekend in Santa Cruz ahead of 4th of July, so to keep everyone safe they’re increasing patrols.

The holiday may be a few days away but some people are getting a head start on the weekend at Twin Lakes State Beach.

“It’s so nice over here because it’s so hot at home,” said Kristy Mello of San Jose. “In San Jose it’s like 90 so it’s nice to get over here.”

With the 4th of July falling on a Tuesday this year, the Santa Cruz Harbor plans on having their hands full for more than just the weekend.

“We’re looking at five, six days of heavy beach use. A lot of users in the harbor, a lot of boat use, a lot of recreational boaters going on here,” said Sgt. Don Kinnamon with the Santa Cruz Harbor.

A lot more folks than usual, which is why the harbor will beef up it’s staff through the holiday. Kinnamon expects more patrols out on the water, in the harbor and on land. Lifeguards at Twin Lakes said the 4th of July is a challenging holiday. Beach goers need to be aware of the cold water, large surf, rip currents and recently Sharks.

“What we do ask people is to just use good common sense,” said Kinnamon. “Be safe out in the water, talk to your lifeguards, if you’re going boating come talk to the harbormaster and get the conditions.”