LA County officials are urging beachgoers at Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach to keep shade structures small and out of lifeguards' sightlines to the water, according to a LAist report summarized in the Tuesday, July 21, Patch AM newsletter for Redondo Beach. No formal canopy size limit or ban exists at any of the three South Bay beaches.

The guidance comes as the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for much of Southern California beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, and lasting through 8 p.m. Monday, July 27. Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the NWS Oxnard office, told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday, July 21, that the stretch will be "the hottest so far this year."

The heat is compounded by hazardous ocean conditions. A persistent south swell from Tropical Storm Elida is expected to produce 4- to 8-foot surf and strong rip currents along Southern California beaches through the week. The NWS advised beachgoers on Monday, July 20, to always swim near lifeguards and check in with them before entering the water.

Why canopy placement matters

The concern about large shade structures isn't unique to the South Bay. Newport Beach Lifeguard Captain Natalie May explained the general safety rationale in a social media video reported by the Los Angeles Times on Saturday, July 5: "Lines of sight allow lifeguards to continuously monitor swimmers and quickly identify someone who may be in distress."

Newport Beach now prohibits canopies larger than 6 feet by 6 feet, requires structures be separated by at least five feet, and allows them only between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Laguna Beach limits canopies to 8 feet wide and 6 feet high, restricts them to designated zones, and fines violators up to $500.

What South Bay beachgoers should know

None of the three South Bay cities have announced plans to adopt formal canopy regulations. Without a written rule, lifeguards on the sand are the authority on where and how to set up shade. The Patch newsletter recommends checking with lifeguards about shade setups wherever you head this summer.

Residents can contact LA County Lifeguards at (310) 832-1179 for beach conditions and safety information.