Preparations key for Memorial Day weekend

Deepa Bharath

Local officials are preparing for Memorial Day partyers, picnickers

and travelers.

Newport Beach Lifeguards will be staffed well for a weekend they

say will be busy depending on the weather.

“We’ve been having overcast days this week,” Lifeguard Lt. Dave

Wenger said. “If that continues, we may not have huge crowds.”

But whether the beaches are sparse or crowded, lifeguards will be

prepared, he said.

Beachgoers who intend to go into the water should check with an

on-duty lifeguard about the conditions, Wenger said.

“Every street is different,” he said. “Especially if you’ve not

been to the beach in a while, or even otherwise, it’s good to make

sure there are no hazards.”

Coming off winter, people often forget to protect themselves

against the sun, Wenger said.

“Sunburns are a common problem during the Memorial Day weekend,”

he said. “It’s important to bring sunglasses, big hats and lots of

sun screen.”

Wenger also cautioned the public about sea lions that are swimming

ashore these days. A toxic algae has been making them sick.

“If people crowd around them, they’ll go back into the water,” he

said. “And we can’t help them.”

At least two sick sea lions have swam into Newport’s beaches in

the last month, he said.

Those heading out of town must also prepare to face crowded

airport terminals and full flights, said Ann McCarley, John Wayne

Airport spokeswoman.

“We expect passenger loads to be to full capacity this year,” she

said. “Friday and Tuesday are our busiest days, and mornings are

usually busier than the rest of the day.”

Passengers should allow about 2 1/2hours for parking and long

lines at ticket counters, security checks and baggage screening,

McCarley said. Although the Homeland Security Department has issued

an orange, or high, terrorism alert, the Transportation Security

Administration has not ordered road closures around JWA, she said.

“But we’re prepared to do that if necessary,” McCarley said. All

four of the airports parking structures will be open, she said.

For more information, call (949) 252-5200 or visit the airport’s

Web site at www.ocair.com.