OCOTILLO WELLS –  California State Parks seasonal lifeguards joined state parks rangers and peace officer-lifeguards in providing a safe atmosphere at the 55^th Annual Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari on March 3-5, 2017.  The 4×4 event attracted more than 10,000 people who participated in the off-highway exploration at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area.

“Most people don’t know that seasonal lifeguards don’t always work at the beach,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Member Services John Knight.  “For the past decade select seasonal guards patrol out at our inland state parks.”   Knight and Seasonal Lifeguard Site Representative Andrew Umlor visited the seasonal lifeguards during at Ocotillo Wells the safari.

“Seasonal lifeguards advise on rules and regulations and provide a full range of first aid assistance from band-aids to major vehicle collisions, performing these duties in dangerous conditions,” said Knight.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area has more than 85,000 acres of desert open for off-highway exploration and recreation.   The rangers, peace-officer lifeguards, and season lifeguards work to provide a safe and enjoyable desert riding environment, and to ensure that a quality experience remains available for future generations.