The Lake Lifeguard Service first began at Puddingstone Lake in 1931.  Throughout the 1950s and 60's the LA County Dept. of Parks and Recreation ran the beaches, lakes and pools.  In the early days the area around Puddingstone Lake and Bonelli Park was largely undeveloped and the lifeguards chosen to work there  liked the seclusion and freedom.  Then on May 1, 1969 the beach lifeguards split off to become employees of the Dept of Beaches and Harbors.  The Lake Lifeguards then fell under the Parks and Recreation Pool Section.  Soon after that the title Lake Lifeguard was created and each park took responsibility for its own lifeguard staff.  Castaic Lake began as a summer operation for the Lake Lifeguards.  The boating operation was the domain of the Harbor Patrol Dept. but eventually finances warranted the lifeguards taking on responsibility for all aquatic activities at Castaic Lake.  An aggressive hiring process began and soon the number of permanent Lake Lifeguards had grown to accommodate the new operation.  Santa Fe Dam was the last facility added when  the park was completed in the mid 1970's. 

In the 1970's, it became necessary for the Lake Lifeguards to seek the protection of union representation.  It was then that LACOLLA's founders, namely Jim Benefiel, Jeff Workman, and  John Williamson went to Local 660 and through a stroke of luck managed to get onto the negotiation board.  660 did a lot for the Lake Lifeguards.  It was while represented by 660 that we began to get some of the raises that we had been denied, uniforms and badges.  But eventually it became clear that to move forward we would need the help of the union representing the Los Angeles County Beach Lifeguards, the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association.  So, Jeff Workman  went to each lake with a petition to form the Los Angeles County Lake Lifeguard Association and bring it under the protection of the larger beach union.  Today LACOLLA is striving to better the work environment for the Lake Lifeguards and expand our service. Because of the efforts of everyone, from those that organized our inclusion in 660 and LACOLA to our many current members, we continue to  improve and remain dedicated to maintaining safety for all who use the waters of  the Los Angeles County lakes.

2006 marks our 75th Anniversary providing outstanding lifesaving and boating enforcement service to the people of Los Angeles County. In our 75 years of service we have saved countless lives and provided emergency medical care to all in need. We have provided aid and education to several generations of boaters.  Today's Lake Lifeguards continue to live up to the proud legacy of service of those that came before us.