Campus Police Honored for Black’s Beach Response
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UC San Diego is located on a beautiful coastline, including one of the best surf breaks in the state, but not everyone is aware of the hazards big surf, riptide and low visibility bring. One year ago, eight people died in a human smuggling disaster in the ocean off Black’s Beach described by officials as one of the deadliest maritime events in San Diego history.
First responders arriving on scene that day, including the UC San Diego Police Department, were recently awarded the National Award for Excellence in Readiness and Incident Response by the United States Lifesaving Association.
“The UC San Diego Police Department was honored to be a recipient of the National Award for Excellence in Readiness and Incident Response,” said UC San Diego Chief of Police Lamine Secka. “Along with the other agencies that were recognized, the award highlights the high level of inter-agency cooperation and support that San Diego first responders have always embraced. We take great pride in our partnerships within the county and are grateful for this recognition.”
It takes a constellation of first responders working together to preserve life on both land and sea.
During the ceremony at Encinitas City Hall, San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief James Gartland highlighted how it takes a constellation of first responders working together to preserve life on both land and sea, including San Diego Lifeguards, California State Parks Lifeguards, San Diego Fire-Rescue, San Diego Police, UC San Diego Police, United States Coast Guard and United States Border Patrol. Gartland emphasized that in San Diego, there is a high level of coordination and seamless response.
Many of our students enjoy Black’s Beach, and it’s an ideal spot for the UC San Diego Surf Team to practice. UC San Diego recognizes the lifesaving work on the ocean’s edge, and has contributed nearly $8 million since 2011 for City of San Diego lifeguard services at Black’s Beach and the beach adjacent to the Scripps campus.
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