Safe, fun weekend expected

With idyllic water and weather conditions forecast for this weekend, local officials anticipate the Labor Day holiday will be a smooth end to summer.

Labor Day is typically a calm summer holiday. But that’s no reason not to be safe — officials are once again stressing the regular reminders.

At the beach, lifeguards said to put on sunscreen, watch out for rip currents and keep an eye on children. Police advise beachgoers to arrive early to park and remember to lock their car.

“Fourth of July is our big weekend, but usually Labor Day and Memorial Day are typical of other summer weekends,” Newport Beach Police Sgt. Bill Hartford said.

High temperatures will draw people to the beaches, officials said. In inland Orange County, highs will climb above 90 degrees, but temperatures at the coast will hover around 70, National Weather Service forecaster Steve Vanderburg said.

Last year’s Labor Day weekend was marred by the drowning death of a 46-year-old Anaheim man who got caught in a rip current.

The water will remain warm and surf will be minimal, as it has been all summer, Newport Beach Lifeguard Battalion Chief Jim Turner said.

Newport-Mesa police will not increase staffing for the holiday, but will have DUI teams patrolling for anyone driving under the influence.