The Newport Beach junior lifeguard program draws an estimated 1,350 participants each year, who could be in a new building by summer 2023. (MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

The Newport Beach junior lifeguard program draws an estimated 1,350 participants each year, who could be in a new building by summer 2023. (MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

By LAYLAN CONNELLY | [email protected] | Orange County Register

Newport Beach officials approved plans for a $4.9 million building near the Balboa Pier for the city’s junior lifeguard program, that could also be used for community events, rentals and meetings during the off season.

Approved by the City Council on March 9, the project still needs California Coastal Commission approval. If the city gets that go-ahead, the new building could be ready to go by summer 2023.

The city will pay about $2 million from the general fund for the new building, while the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation, a nonprofit, will fundraise and provide $1.75 million toward construction costs.

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