Officials Consider Flotation Devices for Huntington Beach Pier

Following two drownings last week, officials are considering installing flotation devices along the pier in the hope of preventing similar tragedies, lifeguards said Tuesday.

But first, they must figure out a way to keep people from stealing them.

The Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division on Tuesday provided Ruby’s Diner--which sits at the end of the pier--with a lifesaver that can be thrown to potential drowning victims, said lifeguard Capt. Steve Seim. He said it was the first step toward better equipping the pier for water emergencies.

Officials are considering placing lifesavers at the pier inside wood-and-glass boxes that could be broken for access, said Seim.

“The ring toss buoy is the safest for the rescuer,” said Seim.

To speed up help and deter thefts, the boxes could be wired to an alarm system that would automatically dial 911 when the glass is broken.

At Seal Beach, there are two ring toss flotation devices in boxes behind plexiglass near the pier. A lever releases the buoy, which has made it easy for people to take them or toss them in the water for no reason, said lifeguard Jeff Martinek.

In San Clemente, a flotation device is in a locker underneath a pier tower, and only lifeguards and police have a key.

In Newport Beach, officials have considered purchasing boxes, shaped like fire hose boxes, containing ring toss buoys, said Lt. Eric Bauer, of the city’s Fire and Marine Department. The boxes cost about $400.

“The problem is things out in the public take a beating and get vandalized on a regular basis,” said Bauer. “It becomes a cost to keep it up and running.”

A relative of one of the drowning victims from last week welcomed the idea of placing the lifesavers at the Huntington Beach pier.

“If there are further accidents, it would give that person a further chance,” said Veronica Bandas, an aunt of Brandon Paul Bandas. “I would hate to see this happen to anyone else.”

Brandon Paul Bandas, 19, is presumed to have drowned after he fell off the pier about 10 p.m. on Thursday after lifeguards had gone home for the day.

Several witnesses saw the Toluca Lake youth struggling and yelling for help, but they were unable to help. His body has not been found.

On Wednesday, Nelson Nguyen, 17, of Riverside was pulled out to sea by a strong current while swimming with friends. He also is presumed drowned.

City officials also applauded the idea of placing lifesavers at the pier.

“It would be nice when no one is on duty,” Huntington Beach Police Lt. Jon Arnold said. “Anything that can help prevent an accident would be great.”