Beth Leeds, of Laguna Beach, a longtime activist and environmentalist, stands next to the lifeguard tower on Main Beach in Laguna Beach on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Leeds was one of the people that helped save the lifeguard tower from destruction 50 years ago when the city removed the structures there to create the present day boardwalk. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The iconic Laguna Beach lifeguard tower that started out as part of a gas station across from Main Beach might not be in use today if it weren’t for the locals who did their best to save it.
Fifty years after a Laguna Beach City Council decided to not move forward with a more modern facility, the tower is represented on the community’s police, fire and lifeguard badges. Its image is featured on souvenirs and postcards and it has likely been photographed millions of times.